I strongly support the continued regulation and licensing of Soil Scientists by the Board. The continued regulation will provide minimum professional experience and education requirements for licensing and will maintain confidence by the public and private sector users of their services. As a LPSS I work with a number of professional engineers and client's who rely on the services of a LPSS for soil evaluations regarding a number of parameters, including but not limited to, shrink swell analysis, storm water infiltration and seasonal high water table issues. A number of municipalities in northern Virginia require the services of a LPSS by code for some soil evaluations related to storm water infiltration facilities.  It is important that the Board continue the licensing program for professional soil scientists so the private sector users and the public sector reviewers can be assured of a defined level of expertise in the work product of these professionals.