As a licensed soil scientist, I am writing to oppose the elimination/deregulation of Licensed Soil Scientists. The General Assembly voted unanimously in 2011 to REQUIRE licensure for soil scientists because of the potential risks that result from a lack of regulation. Several negative consequences of unqualified individuals practicing soil science include:

• Detrimental repair costs to homeowners as a result of unlicensed soil scientists recommendations concerning soil related damages to property including failing wastewater systems, failing stormwater/BMP facilities, structural failure of foundations/slabs/retaining walls, pavement failures, failure of sediment and erosion control measures, etc.;

This bill will directly impact my ability to practice in Virginia and potentially hurt my livelihood. I provide consultation and design services to Virginia licensed Professional Engineers, Virginia Licensed Surveyors, Virginia Licensed Architects, Virginia Licensed Real Estate Appraisers and Virginia Licensed Realtors. These individuals rely on my work for all aspects of land development, construction and real estate transactions, and attempts by unskilled individuals to perform this work will have devastating ramifications such as failing roadways, cracked foundations, drinking water contamination, poor efficacy of erosion control measures, groundwater contamination, failing wastewater systems and dispersal drainfields along with the loss of vegetation. These avoidable consequences are damaging to farmers, builders, developers, municipalities of Virginia, homeowners and the waters of Virginia. The taxpayers of Virginia ultimately end up paying for these damages.

I have worked a soil scientist throughout Virginia since 1982, and continue to support all aspects of development, construction, wastewater treatment and disposal design and stormwater mangement. The soil scientist licensure is required in the counties I provide services in and the professionals I work with depend on my professional efforts and certifications for their work as well.

Therefore, I strongly oppose the elimination/deregulation of Licensed Professional Soil Scientists.

Ronald M. Robison, LPSS - ROBISON CONSULTING GROUP, LLC (703.901.4141)