I'm writing in support of the continued regulation of Certified Professional Wetland Delineators (PWD) by the Commonwealth of Virginia.   As a professional engineer in the state of of Virginia I have worked directly with Professional Wetland Delineators (PWD) and Professional Wetland Scientists (PWS) for over 8 years.  There are clear distinctions between the PWS and PWD certifications, both of which are independently important in the preservation of our ecosystems and natural surroundings.  We need the PWD certification program to ensure the critical water resources of Virginia are accurately delineated using a code of ethics.  The PWD certification requires a strong educational background in soil science, hydrology, botany, and the understanding of the state and federal wetland regulatory concepts.  There are no other certification programs that can provide assurances of competency to perform this work.  I hope that DPOR acknowledges the value of the PWD and I recommend the continued regulation of the Virginia Professional Wetland Delineator Certification.

THE PWD certification program is necessary, and ensures practitioners are qualified to perform this necessary service within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Sincerely, 

Ben Snyder, PE, WPIT

Timmons Group