Commonwealth of Virginia

Department of Professional and

Occupational Regulation

9960 Maryland Drive, suite 400

Richmond, Virginia 23233-1485

Dear Board;

I am writing to ask you to continue Licensure of Professional Soil Scientists.  The General Assembly voted unanimously in 2011 to require licensure for soil scientists because of the potential risks due to a lack of regulation. Some of the positive effects of qualified licensed professionals practicing soil science include identifying detrimental repair costs to land and homeowners such as: failure to identify acid-sulfate soil which contaminate soil and surface water, soil shrink-swells that cause cracked foundations, falling roadways and retaining walls, identifying soils suitable for their capacity of taking on and treating septic effluent from residential homes and commercial/industrial facilities, identifying appropriate erosion and sediment control measures and stormwater features.

In addition to the risks to the public, deregulation will directly affect my ability to practice in Virginia and hurt my livelihood. Corporations, businesses and localities hire me and trust me to work for them because I am licensed. Soil Scientists doing critical work in Virginia including designing stormwater management plans, serving as erosion and sediment control inspectors, and identifying Resource Protection Areas for the preservation of the Chesapeake Bay and waters of Virginia.

If this work is unregulated and unskilled individuals are allowed to practice it, we will see damaging ramifications such as, cracked foundations, water contamination, failing sewer systems and drain fields, and increased erosion and sedimentation. These effects are damaging to farmers, builders, developers, individual homeowners and the receiving waters of Virginia. 

As a member of the Virginia Association of Professional Soil Scientists, I recognize that the Professional Soil Scientist license protects the public welfare and encourages all qualified soil scientists to participate in licensure.   

As licensed Professional Soil Scientist, my clients know they are hiring for a project is fully trained and tested Professional in the field of Soil Science with expectations that the product of my work will meet the standards of licensed professionals and protect the environment and health of the Commonwealth of Virginia.  

      I urge you to continue Licensure of Professional Soil Scientists, 

           Lewis G. Manhart

           Licensed Professional Soil Scientist

          Number - 3401000270