관련 대상,

I am writing to you as a private citizen and geologist in Virginia who has not yet earned my official licensure. I will be taking the Fundamentals of Geology exam in October to earn my GIT. I am writing because I strongly believe in the licensure and regulation of licensure in Virginia and the process involved in licensing Geologists in the commonwealth. 

Most people are unaware of the work geologists do, and I wanted to familiarize you with the kind of work that I do specifically. Much like engineers, who are required to obtain licensure before being able to stamp an engineering report, geologists are required to do the same at the current time. The reason being is that our work directly affects the public safety, welfare of the public and the interests of the public on a daily basis. Much of the work I do personally has these broad effects because it pertains to the development and infrastructure that the citizens of Virginia and other states use daily. I am currently working on a roadway expansion project where my expertise is used to log the soils and rock beneath the roadway. It is essential to do this correctly because the engineered design of the roadway is directly impacted, which directly impacts public safety. 

Another essential component of my work is rock slope stability analysis. To complete these analyses, I undertake in geological mapping of a steep rock slope to map the discontinuities on the slope to determine the risk of failure. If failure occurs, human lives, infrastructure and buildings beneath the rock slope are at grave risk of irreparable damage. It is essential to have the expertise of a licensed professional examine these slopes and stamp the projects after completion to ensure that a regulated professional has done the work correctly and properly. 

The regulated licensure of geologists is essential to the public safety and welfare of the citizens of Virginia. It ensures the success of businesses by reducing liability as well as providing a legal certification for the employees to lean on when completing relevant work. It also ensures that geologists understand the fundamental methods and topics in our field which are absolutely crucial to complete our work correctly.

Overall, I strongly believe in the licensure program Virginia has for geologists. I believe firmly that it must remain in place to help ensure the public safety and welfare of our citizens, as well as the many businesses who hire geologists and the businesses whose welfare is affected by geological work on a daily basis.  

Thank you for considering my comment and I hope to see that the licensure program for geologists in Virginia remains in place. 

My sincere appreciation,

Noah Fleischer

My name is Christina Sullivan, and I have been a geologist for close to 15 years, and I currently do not hold a P.G. license in the state of Virginia. I do hold a Bachelor and Master's degree in Geology, as well as an MBA. My 15 years of experience includes experience in underground coal mining, coal mine permitting, underground gold mining, surface gold mining, and aggregates. I have lived in four different states across those 15 years and have held multiple positions from a Geologist I to Senior Geologist. In all my time as a geologist, I was never once mandated to obtain a P.G. license. The research that I have done on the Virginia licensing program has shown me that obtaining licensure not only requires a significant time commitment, but a financial commitment as well. I do not believe that every employed geologist would be able to make those time and financial commitments. Personally, I know several geologists that have tried to pass the exam numerous times and have failed; even after spending money on outside study resources. Those geologists are still gainfully employed and doing great work for the states, industries, and communities that they live and work in.

It is my opinion, that the geologist licensing in Virginia remain voluntary, and not mandated or repealed. There are certain industries that geologists work in, that do require licensures such as working as an engineering geologist, construction geologist, and environmental engineering geologist. Virginia already has very strict licensure requirements in other industries (i.e. mental health) that make employment difficult - I know this because my husband works in the Psychology field for the state. I do not want to see Geology thrust into that same strict licensure as it will cause companies to lose valuable employees, and employees to possibly lose their livelihoods.

시간 내주셔서 감사합니다.

Christina Sullivan

I have my Virginia geology license, certificate #2475. I am licensed in ten states, and I am very familiarly with professional licensing for geologists. I was the first chairman of the Florida PG Board in 1987 and have more than 56 years of experience in many fields of geoscience.

We need professional geologists of high standing and regard to provide answers to questions that impact health, safety, and welfare of our citizens and neighbors. Professional licenses are part of the answer.

Licensing of our profession provides critical answers to questions posed by living on this planet. 

Do not move backward .... move forward with more integration of professional geology with engineering and other disciplines. 

                                                                                                                                                                7월 31, 2023

To: Virginia Regulatory Town Hall

Regarding Amending the Certification requirements for Geologists in the Commonwealth of Virginia

존경하는 귀하께:

                I am a retired professional Geologist, Certified in the Commonwealth of Virginia since 1984. (#2801000470)  I was employed by the Mitre Corp. (VA), PEPCO and the Maryland Department of the Environment.  All hired me after I received VA Certification. I also worked for Geotechnical Engineers and for a company as a hydrogeologist for development and remediation of contaminated public water wells.  Because of my field experience,   State review work and Certification in Virginia, I was registered also in Delaware.  The Mitre Corp. requires experienced Geologists for their government contracts, military and non- military.  A geologist, an earth scientist, typically has 4 or more years of college study and 7 to 10 years of experience prior to the VA examination.  Geologists work for State and Federal government, Geotechnical Engineering companies and are self- employed for specialized work.

                In my opinion, the purpose of certification is for two main reasons: to ensure a high level of expertise on projects affecting the public welfare and to disallow a conflict of interest. 

                We need experience and expertise, because in earth science, for example, land, surface water, ground water, underground foundation issues are not evident, visible, “black and white” and contain unknowns.   The analysis of test results is necessary.   Also, with more expertise, less funds are expended, and less time is wasted when working on new development, flood and slide, building foundation failures and remediation of contaminated soils and waters and other projects.

The existing rules and regulations do not allow a certified professional geologist from having a conflict of interest.  We work in behalf of the health and welfare of the public.  A Geologist might be pressured to provide approval or a recommendation favorable to his/her employer or other entity.  FThere is a code of ethics that a CPG must follow in order to remain certified.  (The Code of Regulations for Geologists, Outlines Standards of Practice/ Conduct and Competence)

I recommend that the regulations should be amended to make licensure of Geologists mandatory.

양해해 주셔서 감사합니다.

Phyllis V. Buff, CPG, Commonwealth of Virginia since 1984

I am writing this as a private citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia and a 31-year practicing geologist.  I am in favor of amending the statutes that created the certification of Geologists in Virginia to make licensure mandatory and linking geologists’ services to the support of public welfare and the safeguarding of life, health, property, and the environment.  Furthermore, I am in favor of adding a continuing education requirement for continued licensure. 

Geologists in Virginia are commonly employed in the energy, water resources, infrastructure, and mineral resource sectors.  As such, some of the common tasks that we perform include.

• 공공 및 민간 용수 공급을 위한 용수 공급 연구를 수행합니다.
• 도로 안전을 위한 고속도로 암반 경사면 안정성 평가를 완료하십시오.
• 공화국 인프라 아래에 존재하는 활성 카르스트 지형을 탐지하고 완화하기 위해 지질학적 및 지구물리학적 조사를 수행합니다.
• 광물 자원을 안전하고 효율적으로 채굴하기 위해 광산 안전 연구를 수행합니다.
• 댐과 교량의 기초 공사를 위한 기초 조사 및 설계 연구를 수행합니다.
• 공화국의 인프라 건설을 위해 광물 및 골재 자원을 평가합니다.
• 버지니아의 자연 자원을 활성화하기 위해 방치된 광산 지역을 평가하고 복원합니다.
• Virginia주의 고체 폐기물을 관리하고 지하수 자원을 보호하기 위해 매립지를 설치하고 모니터링합니다.
• 오염된 지하수 및 토양을 평가하고 정화하여 인간 건강과 환경을 보호합니다.
• 오염된 부지를 평가하고 정화하며 재개발하여 경제 성장을 촉진합니다.
• 자연 재해에 대응하고, 식별된 재해의 피해를 줄이기 위한 상담을 제공합니다.

이러한 역할을 수행하는 개인들은 적절한 교육을 받고 최소한의 역량을 입증해야 합니다.  전문 토양 과학자, 습지 전문가 및 지질학자의 자격을 시험을 통해 최소 역량을 검증하는 것은 해당 자격 심사위원회의 주요 역할 중 하나입니다.  지질 서비스가 자격을 갖춘 지질학자에 의해 제공되도록 보장하는 것은 환경을 보호하고 버지니아주 모든 주민의 생명, 건강 및 재산을 보호합니다.

버지니아 주 시민의 보호를 위해, 지질학자들이 일반 대중에게 제공하는 서비스의 품질을 보장하기 위해 엄격한 프로그램이 유지되어야 합니다.  현재의 자발적 프로그램은 의무화되어야 하며, 해당 프로그램에서 양호한 상태를 유지하고 있는 참가자들에게는 기존 참가자 자격을 유지할 수 있도록 허용해야 합니다.  지질 조사 및 프로젝트 수행 시 전문적 행동 기준의 최소 기준을 준수하는 것은 해당 작업을 수행하는 개인이 자격을 갖추고 해당 분야의 기준을 충족하도록 보장합니다.

As a registered geologist in 4 Canadian Provinces and 5 US States, including VA,  I would like to express support for 18VAC145-40, particularly Part III Sections 90-150 Standards of Practice and Conduct.    It appears relatively consistent with similar statutes in other states and provinces that have recognized, given the current state of climate, the professions importance in collaboration with registered civil engineers in competently mitigating the impact of natural geologic hazards to our life, health, property and built environment.  However, geologic licensure is currently voluntary if I understand correctly?   The can say that the wording of Chapter 40, particularly Part III (Sections 90-150), appears inconsistent with that of a "voluntary" program.

As a licensed geologist in Virginia since 1997, I support the continuation of the licensure program in the voluntary form.  Having licensed geologist is important in maintaining a higher degree of qualified individuals who work in areas of public importance.  Having been in the environmental consulting practice for over 30 years, it is important to have qualified individuals in charge of projects involving such important tasks as site assessments and contaminant fate and transport modeling.  

I hope that the Department will continue the program to insure the public is well served.

I am writing this comment as a private citizen with more than 40 years' experience as a practicing geologist. I have had my Virginia geology license, certificate #2801000222 since 1984, my first license as a Professional Geologist. I am licensed in four states which I work in regularly. I also have offered expert witness testimony in multiple states dealing with various aspects of geosciences from landslides to ground water impacts.

It is imperative that we have Professional Geologists of high standing held to professional and ethical standards to provide answers to questions from clients and the public that impact the health, safety, and welfare of our clients and the public at large. Professional licenses are a crucial part of the answer. I further suggest that continuing education requirements be made part of the continuing licensure.

When looking for new hires at the 8+ years' experience level, if they are not registered as a Professional Geologist, frankly I have a challenging time taking them seriously as a consultant in the geological sciences. I actively encourage and mentor my younger staff into obtaining their license as soon as they are able in the states they currently work in. Within the past 2 years, I have had 3 young geologists who have obtained their registration as a Professional Geologist in Missouri, Indiana, and Kentucky. I have a fourth geologist who will sit for his exam in October of this year.

It is important that we have geologists that are properly trained and demonstrate a minimum level of competency. I implore the politicians of Virginia to not move backward by eliminating this licensing program, but to move forward and require all geologists offering services to the public in Virginia be licensed. Only then can we protect the environment and safeguard the health and property of the citizens of Virginia.

I am writing to express my support for continued licensure of geologists in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  While our society depends on the ability of our elected officials to make prudent decisions regarding what laws are needed for protection of society and which are unnecessarily burdensome, I am writing this in hopes that my professional and personal knowledge gained over the course of my 25 year career may be helpful in this process.  

I am a Virginia PG (exam-certified in 2005) and have focused much of my work on contaminant hydrogeology, the study of how toxic chemicals move through the subsurface, where they will migrate, and how to treat them to eliminate human and ecological health risks.  In recent years, I have spent a significant amount of time supporting drinking water sites impacted by Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). In cases where there are releases of PFAS in fire fighting foam or other chemicals that may impact surrounding drinking water supplies, it is the role of the hydrogeologist/PG to assess what wells/reservoirs may be impacted by contaminated groundwater and how to address the  contaminated media and exposure.  Poor or uniformed decision making may result in prolonged exposure to toxins.  While the licensing process does not wholly prevent poor decision-making, it is a deterrent.  To date, PFAS investigations have been focused on manufacturing facilities for these chemicals and Department of Defense sites.  However, EPA has issued draft maximum contaminant levels for some PFAS and a draft CERCLA hazardous substances designation.  If these are finalized, addressing PFAS in many Virginia communities will be a high-profile issue and our Virginia citizens deserve highly qualified professionals to help them. I believe it would be very unfortunate timing to eliminate a safeguard intended to ensure professional qualifications right now.  

On a related note, I would like to share a personal story of an even that occurred in Berlin, NJ, a town adjacent to the town in which my parents live.  New Jersey does not license geologists, though there is a site remediation professional license there for geologists remediating contaminated properties. A number of years ago, the Town of Berlin, NJ drilled and operated a drinking water supply well with the help of a consulting/engineering firm.  The well was properly permitted.  It is my understanding the well was screened in an unconfined aquifer (the surficial aquifer is very thick and has high hydraulic conductivity in this part of NJ due to coarse clean sands). The well was pumped at ~500 gpm.  Within a short time after the well became operational, private wells in adjacent neighborhoods went dry and needed to be redrilled deeper due to drawdown from this municipal well.  Nearby streams and a wetland where a federally listed threatened species (Helonias bullata, swamp pink) grows also dried up. Because the well was pulling water from the wetland, the water quality was terrible.  There were high metals and sulfide resulting in taste and odor complaints from Berlin residents.  The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection got involved.  Residents from the town and those with private wells in adjacent communities were outraged.  Environmentalists were outraged.  Eventually, the well was turned off, but the story was a lose-lose-lose for everyone. The town spent money that didn’t benefit residents, the residents were all angry, the state was burdened, and the environment was damaged.  Every licensed geologist I know in Virginia would have performed appropriate aquifer testing including drawdown assessment/radius of influence assessment prior to operating such a well or would at least know to find someone else who could do those things. Perhaps I just keep good company. Perhaps there are mistakes like this being made by PGs in Virginia I don’t see, and maybe licensure doesn’t prevent such egregious errors, but I personally think licensing here in Virginia does improve quality of work.  It is an added layer of accountability to protect our citizens.  Virginians deserve to be protected by their government on issues which are not common knowledge to most people.  I hope my elected officials will afford Virginians those protections.  

I appreciate your consideration of my thoughts on this important issue.  

매우 정중하게

Laura Cook, PG 

705 Achilles Ct

Virginia Beach, VA, 23464

I apologize, my comments submitted this morning were no meant to be listed as anonymous.

고마워요

Dan Centofanti

1 8월 2023

전자우편을 통해

캐슬린 R. 노스비쉬, 전무 이사 

DPOR, 9960 메이랜드 드라이브, 스위트 400, 리치먼드, 버지니아 23233 

전화: (804) 367-8514  

팩스: (866) 465-6206 

BPSSandWP@dpor.virginia.gov

Dean Ms. Nosbisch:

저는 버지니아 주 공화국 Commonwealth of Virginia 시민이자 25년 이상 활동 중인 공인 전문 지질학자로서 이 글을 작성합니다.  저는 버지니아주에서 지질학자 자격증을 설립한 법규를 개정하여 면허 취득을 의무화하고, 지질학자의 서비스를 공공복지 지원 및 생명, 건강, 재산, 환경 보호와 연계하는 데 찬성합니다.  또한, 계속된 면허 유지 조건으로 계속 교육 요건을 추가하는 것에 찬성합니다. 

버지니아의 지질학자들은 일반적으로 에너지, 수자원, 인프라, 및 광물 자원 분야에서 고용되고 있습니다.  따라서, 우리가 수행하는 일반적인 업무에는 다음과 같은 것이 포함됩니다:

• 공공 및 민간 용수 공급을 위한 용수 공급 연구를 수행합니다.
• 오염된 부지를 평가하고 정화하며 재개발하여 경제 성장을 촉진합니다.
• 도로 안전을 위한 고속도로 암반 경사면 안정성 평가를 완료하십시오.
• 댐과 교량의 기초 공사를 위한 기초 조사 및 설계 연구를 수행합니다.
• 광물 자원을 안전하고 효율적으로 채굴하기 위해 광산 안전 연구를 수행합니다.
• Virginia주의 고체 폐기물을 관리하고 지하수 자원을 보호하기 위해 매립지를 설치하고 모니터링합니다.
• 공화국 인프라 아래에 존재하는 활성 카르스트 지형을 탐지하고 완화하기 위해 지질학적 및 지구물리학적 조사를 수행합니다.
• 공화국의 인프라 건설을 위해 광물 및 골재 자원을 평가합니다.
• 버지니아의 자연 자원을 활성화하기 위해 방치된 광산 지역을 평가하고 복원합니다.
• 오염된 지하수 및 토양을 평가하고 정화하여 인간 건강과 환경을 보호합니다.
• 자연 재해에 대응하고, 식별된 재해의 피해를 줄이기 위한 상담을 제공합니다.

이러한 역할을 수행하는 개인들은 적절한 교육을 받고 최소한의 역량을 입증해야 합니다.  공학자들과 마찬가지로, 전문 토양 과학자, 습지 전문가, 지질학자의 자격을 갖춘 최소 역량을 시험을 통해 검증하는 것은 해당 자격증 발급 기관의 핵심 역할 중 하나입니다.  지질 서비스가 자격을 갖춘 지질학자에 의해 제공되도록 보장하는 것은 환경을 보호하고 버지니아주 모든 주민의 생명, 건강 및 재산을 보호합니다.

진심으로,

몬태규 S. 베넷, P.G., RSM

주니어 컨설턴트

Haley & Aldrich, Inc.

13872 석탄광산 지역 공용 공간 | 스위트 200

Midlothian, VA 23114

O: 804-419-0010

C: (804) 467.8572

mbennett@haleyaldrich.com

I write this not because I enjoy paying fees to be a Professional Geologist or that I enjoy having to do additional training and study to enhance my education/knowledge of geological and hydrogeological subject matters, but because it is a technical and moral responsibility of the profession we practice. This applies to all facets of the professional geologist (whether it be geotechnical, mining, environmental, or water related).  For example, in my world as a hydrogeologist, I/we need to stay current on the various emerging contaminants (e.g., PFAS compounds, arsenic, lead, 1,4 dioxane etc.) that adversely impair our drinking water supplies or environment. What we do and the decisions we make impacts the safety of the public who most often have no idea what can harm them or improve their lives. Becoming a certified professional Geologist sets the bar high for being qualified to do our work. This is very similar to a lawyer's certification passing the bar exam, or a doctor passing his medical exams and getting medical training (through residency) before becoming a certified doctor. In some way the impacts that a professional geologist can have on society exceed that of a doctor and /or lawyer who often practice their crafts/skills on only single individuals. The PG's (and PE's) most often practice their skills in ways that impact entire communities, towns, and cities. One decision that a PG makes can impact 100,000's of people's lives. This is not something that should ever be accomplished by a non-certified individual. I believe that the state of Virginia would be making a grave mistake if they lowered the qualification of individuals practicing in these professional and critically important fields.

저는 버지니아 주 공화국(Commonwealth of Virginia)의 일반 시민이자 30년 경력의 지질학자( 13)로서 이 글을 작성합니다(VA 2801002355).  저는 버지니아에서 지질학자 자격증을 설립한 법규를 개정하여 면허 취득을 의무화하고, 지질학자의 서비스를 공공복지 지원 및 생명, 건강, 재산, 환경 보호와 연계하는 것을 강력히 지지합니다.  또한, 계속된 면허 유지 위해 계속 교육 요건을 추가하는 것을 지지합니다. 

버지니아의 지질학자들은 일반적으로 에너지, 수자원, 인프라, 및 광물 자원 분야에서 고용되고 있습니다.  따라서, 우리가 수행하는 일반적인 업무에는 다음과 같은 것이 포함됩니다:

• 공공 및 민간 용수 공급을 위한 용수 공급 연구를 수행합니다.
• 도로 안전을 위한 고속도로 암반 경사면 안정성 평가를 완료하십시오.
• 공화국 인프라 아래에 존재하는 활성 카르스트 지형을 탐지하고 완화하기 위해 지질학적 및 지구물리학적 조사를 수행합니다.
• 광물 자원을 안전하고 효율적으로 채굴하기 위해 광산 안전 연구를 수행합니다.
• 댐과 교량의 기초 공사를 위한 기초 조사 및 설계 연구를 수행합니다.
• 공화국의 인프라 건설을 위해 광물 및 골재 자원을 평가합니다.
• 버지니아의 자연 자원을 활성화하기 위해 방치된 광산 지역을 평가하고 복원합니다.
• Virginia주의 고체 폐기물을 관리하고 지하수 자원을 보호하기 위해 매립지를 설치하고 모니터링합니다.
• 오염된 지하수 및 토양을 평가하고 정화하여 인간 건강과 환경을 보호합니다.
• 오염된 부지를 평가하고 정화하며 재개발하여 경제 성장을 촉진합니다.
• 자연 재해에 대응하고, 식별된 재해의 피해를 줄이기 위한 상담을 제공합니다.

이러한 역할을 수행하는 개인들은 적절한 교육을 받고 최소한의 역량을 입증해야 합니다.  전문 토양 과학자, 습지 전문가 및 지질학자의 자격을 시험을 통해 최소 역량을 검증하는 것은 해당 자격 심사위원회의 주요 역할 중 하나입니다.  지질 서비스가 자격을 갖춘 지질학자에 의해 제공되도록 보장하는 것은 환경을 보호하고 버지니아주 모든 주민의 생명, 건강 및 재산을 보호합니다.

I support the continuation of a mandatory licensure program for geologists practicing in the Commonwealth.

It is imperative to have qualified licensed geologists performing work on complex projects along side professional engineers, soil scientists, and surveyors to safeguard life, health, property, and the environment. 

The regulation should make licensure of geologists a mandatory program and that the statutory language doing so should link our profession to public welfare and the safeguarding of life, health, property, and the environment.

이사회 여러분 

I would strongly recommend keeping licensed geologist in the state of Virginia. First and foremost, I believe Virginia has unique and vastly varying landmass types and rock types, making for a state in need of people who can differentiate them for public safety and use. Second of all, the public, and private businesses, or developers are able to search the DPOR database for licensed individuals for any reason pertaining to anything commercial, industrial, to residential consultation where they need an experts opinion. You get rid of that, and I'm afraid that people could be douped or scammed by people who have no business offering geologic advice. I do request that geologists remain licensed professionals in the state of Virginia. 

Thank you, 
Nick Bass

등록된 지질학자이자 소규모 사업주로서.  이 직업에 대한 평가는 지구과학 분야에 종사하는 사람들에게 매우 중요합니다.  우리는 연방 및 주 정부가 규제하는 분야에서 일반 대중에게 서비스를 제공합니다.  이 분야의 전문 자격은 규제 대상이 될 만큼 중요합니다.

마지막으로, DPOR 직원들이 수많은 전문 규정을 다루는 문제에 대한 자격과 판단 능력을 평가받는 대상인지 궁금합니다.

제 20년의 경험에 따르면, 버지니아 주(Commonwealth of Virginia)에서 활동하는 전문 자격을 갖춘 지질학자들은 인간 건강과 환경 보호 측면에서 일반 대중에게 중요한 신뢰를 제공합니다.    제 의견으로는 버지니아주에서 자발적인 지질학자 인증 프로그램을 설립한 법률을 개정하여 지질학자의 면허 취득을 의무화하는 프로그램으로 전환해야 하며, 해당 법률 조항은 우리 직업이 공공 복지 및 생명, 건강, 재산, 환경의 보호와 연결되도록 규정해야 합니다. 

I have been a PG in Virginia and other states for over 30 years and wanted to express my opinion that Professional Geologist licensure is an important aspect to doing work safely and professionally in the earth sciences, both in Virginia and elsewhere.  I work for the world's leading engineering firm and we employ 1,000's of geologists to perform our geotechnical, geological engineering, and hydrogeological work.  In hiring, promotions, proposals, and project assignments, we look to state professional licensure as an indicator of a candidate attaining a certain level of expertise in the field of geology.  Not having VA geologist get licensure would handicap their ability to get jobs and perform rewarding and valuable work. In some (but not all) aspects of our work, state PG stamps are required, and also send a signal to our clients that we are using qualified staff. And even though I'm no longer living in Virginia, I maintain my PG certification because that state is where I took the PG test and achieved my first licensure.  I have subsequently used that VA PG licensure to get PGs/LGs/RGs in a dozen other states that accepted the VA PG test results through comity/reciprocity.  If VA abandoned the program, it is highly likely other states, who deem a PG important and valuable, would no longer accept my VA PG, requiring me to retake the PG exam. 

Overall, PG certification provides the public, facility owners and state and federal regulators an assurance that the work is being done properly and professionally, to safeguard property and both human and environmental health.  Please do not do away with this important program.

I obtained certification as a professional geologist in Virginia in 1993 (2801000943). When I was in the private sector I performed a variety of geology related services including groundwater monitoring at landfills and other regulated properties, groundwater supply studies, and groundwater withdrawal permit applications. The regulated community relies on certification as a means to ensure that the professionals they hire are in fact capable and qualified to provide services for which geologic knowledge is necessary. Further, certification provides employers with the means to evaluate the qualifications and skills of geologists being interviewed for positions which include the practice of geology.

Since 2017 I have worked in the Office of Environmental Health Services at the Virginia Department of Health, specifically in the private well and onsite sewage system arena. I, along with geologists working at DEQ and other agencies, have been called upon by the General Assembly and the Governor's office to provide expertiste regarding "hot-button" issues pertaining to private wells, state waters, public health, and the environment. Recent issues include:

• Potential uranium mining
• Potential gold mining
• Coal ash pond closure
• Pipelines
• Wastewater infrastructure
• Groundwater injection
• PFAS and other emerging contaminants

In such cases, knowledge and understanding of geology is a necessary asset for efforts to determine whether an issue should be regulated, to draft regulations, and to represent the interests of the Commonwealth in public outreach and other communication.

I believe that 18VAC145-40 is critical to ensure that the practice of geology in Virginia is protective of public health, safety, and welfare and a strong factor in the economical performance of important governmental functions. Therefore, these regulations be retained.

Geologists provide an essential service to human health and the environment.  Their role includes determining appropriate levels of clean up of contaminated sites for redevelopment, as well as risk management to users to obtain a comfort level for contaminated site reuse.  This is a safe way to keep contaminated sites profitable/economical.  The current voluntary program should change to making licensure of geologists mandatory.  

I am a native resident Virginian and a Virginia certified practicing geologist.  It is with concern for citizens of the Old Dominion and the future practice of the geological profession within her boundaries that I submit to you the following:

• The Commonwealth bears the responsibility for any reduction in regulatory requirements pursuant to Executive Order No. 19 signed into law by governor Youngkin on June 30, 2022.  There are many great elements to the Order, and while the intent of the Order is certainly welcomed and needed, any reduction in regulatory requirements specifically related to the practice of geology within the Commonwealth would be a disservice her citizens and those geologists currently certified by her.

• There is, and has existed, the need to instead strengthen those regulatory requirements related to the practice of geology within the Commonwealth.  This need is primarily predicated on the highly specialized and technical nature of the work geologists do related to public health, safety and welfare.  Virginia is the 12^th most populous state in the US yet 35^th in land size.  In my 31 years of practicing geology within the Commonwealth well over 2 million new residents have arrived, and with that more needs related to housing, infrastructure, support facilities, natural resources, water supply, power, waste disposal and the like.  All of these geologists perform services for and are critical to the success of.  This trend shows no sign of slowing down in the foreseeable future.  The Commonwealth’s landscape is one of reducing resources and open land space, and increasing dense urban and suburban hardscapes which collectively increase technical complexities and challenges to the practice while balancing impacts to the environment.  As a result, the nature of the work geologists do is becoming even more important, driving the need for increased talent. 

• The majority of the Commonwealth’s citizens, legislators included, do not understand exactly what geologists do on a daily basis, nor do they understand the important role geologists play in ensuring public health, safety and welfare.  For this reason, there exists the explicit need for increasing education and awareness concerning the profession.  It is not hard to understand why deregulation of practice of geology could be viewed by some as an acceptable contributor to the governor’s EO-19 mandate of a 25% reduction in regulatory requirements.

• The Commonwealth’s use of the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) testing for certification of geologists is an appropriate standard to demonstrate a minimum level of competency and should be maintained within Virginia Administrative Code (VAC).  It is important to note that the similar American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) professional geologist certification does not require testing to demonstrate minimum competency of geologists certified by that Institute.  AIPG certification does not equal the Commonwealth’s certification of geologists, and is often mistaken to.  Also, the Commonwealth’s use of ASBOG testing affords particular ease of reciprocity for practicing certified, licensed and registered geologists among the 32 ASBOG member states.  Deregulation of the practice would most certainly cause undue hardships for geologists once certified by the Commonwealth seeking reciprocity elsewhere.

Now therefor, in consideration of the above existing conditions, I urge you to properly discharge the duty of your position and the responsibility entrusted to you by the Commonwealth by seeing to it that those statues within the VAC under your influence or authority are, at minimum, kept intact as current, or arguably strengthened in the near future to include provisions related to continuing education requirements and mandatory licensure (not voluntary certification) related to the practice of geology within the Old Dominion.  This would be consistent with the precedent set by similar existing statutes pertaining to other regulated professions within the Commonwealth where highly specialized professional technical expertise is being applied to work, and the products of work, that so directly impact the public health, safety and welfare our citizens are entitled to under law.

정중하게 제출했습니다,

Steven P. Pond, P.G.

I strongly support the current regulation within the VAC to require certification of those who apply the principles of Geology to the daily lives of Virginians! This regulatory requirement has been long-standing and key to protect the public health, safety, and welfare to those that depend on the judgement and experience of Professional Geologists who work every day to support the design and construction of our built environment.  Other professionals in the design, construction and mining industries rely on the judgement, experience, and recommendations of Professional Geologists to develop the facilities, structures, and water systems that Virginians depend on daily.  As a Certified Professional Geologist and registered Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia, I strongly support maintaining the current regulation requiring certification of Professional Geologists to practice within the Commonwealth.

Eric B. Rehwoldt, P.E., C.P.G. 

현재 규정을 변경할 경우, 버지니아주에서 지질학자로 활동하기 위해 면허 취득을 의무화하는 방향으로 변경되어야 합니다.  지질학자들은 인구 건강과 안전에 결정적인 영향을 미치는 중요한 결정을 일상적으로 내리고 있습니다. 이는 공공 상수도 시스템 관련 업무, 위험 지역 평가 및 복구 작업, 홍수나 산사태와 같은 자연 재해 대응 등이 포함됩니다.  지질학자들은 이러한 유형의 프로젝트에서 공학자(필수 면허를 소지한)와 함께 자주 협력하며, 공학자들은 지질학자들이 제공하는 정보에 의존합니다.  

버지니아 주 규제 관련 주민 간담회 및 DPOR(버지니아 주 공공사업부) 집행이사 캐서린 R. 노스비시에게:

퇴직했음에도 불구하고, 저는 버지니아 주에서 CPG 자격이 도입된 이래로 버지니아 Commonwealth of Virginia 공인 전문 지질학자(Certified Professional Geologist)로 활동해 왔습니다.  지질학자들이 공공의 복지를 지원하고 생명, 건강, 재산 및 자연 자원, 그리고 환경을 보호하는 데 제공하는 전문 서비스의 중요성에 대한 제 의견을 고려해 주시기 바랍니다.  지질학자 자격증의 자발적 인증을 도입한 법령을 개정하여 지질학자의 면허 취득을 의무화하는 프로그램으로 전환해야 하며, 이를 규정하는 법령 조항은 우리 직업이 공공의 복지, 생명, 건강, 재산 및 자연 자원 보호, 그리고 환경 보호와 밀접하게 연결되어 있음을 명시해야 합니다.

배려해 주셔서 감사합니다.

존 T. 팝

CPG No. 2801000190

관련 대상,

I am writing to express my support for the licensure of Professional Geologists in Virginia.  As a licensed professional geologist, I can assure you that the process to gain licensure is not easy.

Currently regulations state that an individual applying for professional geologist licensure must work under a licensed PG for at least seven years. In addition to the work and PG oversight requirement, applicants must pass not one, but two tests.  The first tests the applicant's fundamental knowledge of geology, ie, what we were taught in the classroom. The second tests the applicant's professional knowledge, ie, what we have learned on the job.  These tests do not focus on a specific area of geology, but rather a broad range of knowledge is needed to pass.  

There is a reason applicants are recommended to begin studying months before the exams. The wide variety of topics potentially covered requires a significant time investment to successfully review the knowledge base gained in school and in the workplace. And most applicants complete this extensive study on their personal time.  As a geologist, this is a major career achievement.  

All of this means that there is a level of competence and professionalism assumed with an individual whom has earned their PG. Cheapening our profession is not only personally offensive, it would open the door for the potential of less competent work in our industry, with the potential to create situations dangerous to the public.

진심으로,

Krista J. Tetrick, PG, PWS  

Professional Geologists serve the public and society by applying their knowledge toward the responsible use and management of the earth’s resources.  This is true whether they are employed by a government agency or a private firm.  

To have qualified individuals whose work and knowledge involves the practice in the field of Geology is important, in many ways, to the wellbeing of the general public in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  I will cite several examples of where this is true: in the field of mineral exploration and management  Virginia Energy - Geology and Mineral Resources - Mineral Resources; consultation related to earth events such as the 5.8 earthquake in Mineral, Virginia on August 23, 2011; the prevention and/or remediation of rock slides, which are periodic and reoccurring throughout the Piedmont and mountainous regions in Virginia; contributions to environmental studies of groundwater resources and pollution.  All of these examples involve areas of critical importance to the wellbeing and safety of the citizens of the Commonwealth.  We must have QUALIFIED individuals who know how to investigate the aforementioned, and who will study and provide answers to questions and solutions to problems that are earth related.  We must have qualified individuals in whom we can have confidence.

In numerous ways, the certification/registration/licensing of geologists is a means of contributing to the economy of Virginia.  A number of Virginia universities have excellent geology programs that educate in-state and out-of-state students who aspire to gain certification/registration/license as a Professional Geologist.  Additionally, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals who have professional registration are more engaged in the work force and achieve higher earnings (thus providing more tax contribution) than those not having professional registration Professional certifications and occupational licenses: evidence from the Current Population Survey : Monthly Labor Review: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov).

Professional Geologist certification/registration/licensing adds to the status of the Commonwealth in that it shows that we have high standards in our expectations of those who are practicing in this discipline.  I believe the National Society of Professional Engineers puts it well when they say, in part, “Licensed engineers also achieve an enhanced status in the eyes of the public, which equates the engineer with professionals licensed in other fields.

Licensure is an indicator of dedication to integrity, hard work, and creativity, and an assurance that the individual engineer has passed at least a minimum screen of competence. Of course, licensure is just a starting point for professional growth and development, and participation in professional activities is part of the ongoing activities of a true professional.”  Advantages of Licensure | National Society of Professional Engineers (nspe.org).  These statements apply to Professional Geologists, as well.

As a former state employee, I have seen that the government in our Commonwealth has made many efforts to keep Virginia high on the list of states that provide for the safety, prosperity, and advancement of its citizens.  Let us move forward with maintaining high standards for those who practice in the field of geology.

I am writing this as a private citizen of Virginia and a 37-year practicing geologist certified in Virginia since 1991.  I am in favor of requiring licensure in Virginia based on the need for geologic services to be provided by credentialed professionals whose role it is to protect public welfare and safeguard life, health, property and the environment.  

Many of the most significant issues facing society today require the input of qualified geologists including reliable energy supplies, locating and extracting mineral resources, assessing and cleaning up environmental contamination, and maintaining potable water supplies.   

I am fully in support of DPOR continuing to certify professional geologists.  

I am writing in support of maintaining the regulation of the practice of geology in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  While I appreciate taking opportunities to reduce regulation when it will not cause public harm, the practice of geology, including developing dam strategies, blasting plans, remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater, as well as many more infrastructure concerns, is exactly the wrong area to deregulate.

Below, I will briefly provide information regarding why licensure of geology is important to protect the public including health, safety, environment, and fiscal considerations and why it is important for Geology to be licensed as a unique profession. 

Public Protection through Licensure

The ASBOG® Fundamentals of Geology Examination is a requirement for a person to become a Certified Professional Geologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia and to offer geologic services to the public in the other 30 States that register geologists by examination. Pass-fail analyses of the Fundamentals of Geology Examination indicate that nearly 50 percent of the applicants who take the examination lack the knowledge and experience to practice geology at a minimum competency level.

Much of today’s geological practice affects the health, safety and welfare of the public, the environment, and the economy and feasibility of engineered works. Thus, the public deserves to be protected.

Unqualified geologists, who are employed in jobs that affect the public, place an undue risk on the health, safety and welfare of that public. The risks include:

• The possibility of an error that will cause a loss of life or property
• The higher costs of supervision
• The costs of repeating incorrect and incomplete work
• Lower cost/benefit ratios brought about by an inability to do efficient work

The registration examinations used by State Boards of Geology (including Virginia) to complete an applicant’s registration are carefully developed and designed by ASBOG® and routinely updated to reflect changes in the profession. The initial step in developing an examination is to carry out a task analysis. The task analysis is based on a survey of registered geologists to determine:

• The amount of time spent on a specific task;
• The importance of the task in protecting the public; and
• The extent of competence required for an entry level geologist at the time of initial licensure.

The results of these three independent responses are used to determine the relative significance of each content area on the Geology Examinations as a requirement for a person to become a Licensed Professional Geologist. Pass-fail analyses of the Fundamentals of Geology and Practice of Geology Examinations indicate that nearly 50 percent of the applicants who take the examination are unqualified to practice geology. Further evaluation of the results from decades of testing results indicates that those not passing the ASBOG® examination(s) lack the required knowledge and/or experience to offer geologic services to the public in a manner that would protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public, the environment and/or the economy.

Additionally, the results of the task analysis are used to determine the relative significance of the tasks that are performed by geologists and used to set the blueprint for each of the ASBOG® examinations - one for the Fundamentals of Geology and one for the Practice of Geology. If constructing geologic maps is the most significant task, then the examination will have more questions on constructing geologic maps. If, on the other hand, a task is determined to be the least significant task, it may be dropped from the examination all together. The blueprint developed based on the task analysis is the template for the examination and ensures that it represents the current practice of the profession.

Subject Matter Experts who represent the full spectrum of the profession are brought together to write and review questions for the examination. These experts prepare questions in their field that other experts will review and approve. The criteria for a question include:

• Does it have only one answer?
• Is it related to a blueprint task?
• Is it related to public protection (health, safety, environment, and fiscal)?
• Is the question clear and direct?
• Is it written at the entry level?
• Is it free of trickery?
• Does it avoid assessing trivia?

If the question passes each of these criteria it will be approved for the examination database. Prior to and after a question has been used on an examination it is reviewed and evaluated by the subject matter experts from each of the States where registration by examination is required. The first step in the evaluation of each examination is to require these experts to take the examination. The experts, working as a committee, review each examination question to determine:

• The correct answer,
• That there is only one correct answer, and
• That the question meets the criteria listed above.

If the question passes review, the experts assign a difficulty score to the question. The score for each question is combined to determine the degree of difficulty of the examination, which is then compared with the minimum level of competence required for a person to practice geology before the public to ensure that every administration of an ASBOG® examination meets this requirement.

Importance of the Licensure of Geology as a Profession

Geologists make use of their special knowledge for the benefit of the public: from the obvious, e.g., exploration and development of mineral resources plus development of water resources to the less obvious, e.g., evaluating the stability of foundations for buildings, dams, bridges and roadways, plus many others. Few other professions affect the public more than geology, especially through collaboration with the construction and engineering professions. "Civilization exists by geological consent, subject to change without notice," a popular saying with much merit.

Why register geologists?

The application of geologic knowledge and experience are integral to many actions involving public health, safety, and welfare (including financial). Professional geologists working with others can determine and apply sound geologic knowledge and procedures that will serve to avoid endangerment of the public or the environment.

How will the public be protected?

First, no one may be represented as a Professional/Registered Geologist unless registered by the State in which they practice. Second, State registration boards are typically granted the authority to monitor and enforce the registration laws, thus ensuring the practice of geology in a competent manner by Professional Geologists within that State.

Who can become registered as a geologist?

Currently, in Virginia, individuals who have a college degree in geology and five years of geological work experience can initially qualify for registration. In addition, the successful completion of two four-hour long examinations to demonstrate minimum competence in both the fundamentals and the practice of geology.

Registration assures that qualified and reputable individuals provide accurate geologic information to the public. Examples of the practice areas covered by registration include the following:

• geologic mapping
• groundwater resource and development protection
• mineral-resource evaluation
• oil and gas development
• safe oil, gas, water, or mineral drilling
• accurate and reliable information to government agencies for public use
• environmental geology issues
• land surface stability
• solid waste siting
• toxic, nuclear, and hazardous waste disposal siting
• contaminated soil investigations and remediation
• groundwater investigations
• mined-land reclamation
• acid mine drainage suppression and remediation
• dam and impoundment construction
• highway, roadway, and bridge construction

Some people note that geology sounds a lot like engineering. So, what's the difference?

Geologists are trained to consider the entire physical environment, the materials that compose it (rocks, soils, and water) and the dynamic physical and geochemical processes that drive it. Engineers are more concerned with facility design including material and structural properties along with construction and constructability considerations.

Geologists and engineers generally work together making sure that all natural and man-made influences are considered in a project or setting.

Why don't geologists register as engineers?

Geologists have education and professional experience that is specifically directed toward investigating and using the earthen materials that affect the public or natural spaces. No other profession has comparable education and professional experience.

Why not hire engineers to certify geologists' work?

For public protection, persons can only certify geological work for which they were trained in the fundamental geologic principles and have the necessary experience. Geologists are trained and have experience in geologic interpretation of earthen materials; engineers are trained and have experience in designing and building. These are two distinctly different professions. However, because of the close relations between those who interpret and those who design and build, geologists and engineers must work together in a collaborative fashion.

How do they work together?

Geologists interpret, engineers design and build. Geologists investigate earth materials and processes and advise how to compensate for those conditions to assure safety. Engineers take this information, and working with geologists and others, determine how to design and build safe structures in a cost-effective manner.

In closing, I think you will agree that the continued regulation of the practice of geology is vital to the protection of public health for all citizens of  the Commonwealth of Virginia.

진심으로,

Andrew Owens, PG

I am writing this as a private citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia and a 30-year practicing Geologist in good standing within the Commonwealth of Virginia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama and Louisiana and a Certified Environmnetal Manager (CEM) for the Commonwealth of Nevada. I am highly in favor of requiring licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia (state of my birth) based on the need for geologic services to be provided by credentialed professionals whose role it is to protect human public health, welfare, property and the environment. 

Many of the most signifigant issues facing our society and state today require the input of qualified Certified Geologists including reliable engergy supplies, assessing environmnetal intergrity, contamination remediation and potable water supplies. 

I am fulling in support of the DPOR continuing to certify Professional Geologists in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Ron A James, CPG, CEM

저는 버지니아에서 지질학 실무를 위해 현재의 인증 절차를 의무적 면허 발급 절차로 변경하는 것을 지지합니다.  지질학자들이 매일 검토하고 수행하는 업무는 버지니아 주민들의 공공 보건과 복지에 직접적으로 관련되어 있습니다.  음용수 품질, 오염 방지, 중요한 지하수 및 표면수 자원의 보호와 관련된 업무는 Virginia 주 모든 주민에게 영향을 미치며, 이러한 평가가 적격한 전문가에 의해 적절히 수행되도록 관리되어야 합니다.  

브렌트 존슨 공학박사, 공학사

쿠언츠 브라이언트 존슨 윌리엄스 주식회사

저는 컨설팅 지질학자이자 주 정부 규제 당국자로 근무해 왔기 때문에, 버지니아 주와 인류 전체를 위해 최상의 서비스를 제공하기 위해 환경 지질학, 수문 지질학, 공학 지질학 분야의 최신 동향을 지속적으로 파악하는 것이 얼마나 중요한지 직접 경험해 왔습니다. 전문 분야와 마찬가지로, 면허 취득을 위해 특정 시험을 통과해야 합니다. 예를 들어, 의사, 변호사, 공학자, 지질학자, 토양학자 또는 습지 전문가 등 어떤 분야의 전문가이든, 서비스의 품질은 보장되며 해당 전문가에 대한 신뢰는 확고합니다. 

제 의견으로는 버지니아주에서 자발적인 지질학자 인증 프로그램을 설립한 법률을 개정하여 지질학자의 면허 취득을 의무화하는 프로그램으로 전환해야 하며, 해당 법률 조항은 우리 직업이 공공 복지 및 생명, 건강, 재산, 환경의 보호와 연결되도록 규정해야 합니다.  음용수 공급원을 선정하거나 오염물질로부터 자유로운 지하수 및 표면수를 정화하는 데 필요한 결정은 전문 지질학자에 의해 이루어져야 합니다. 

1990Virginia는 1970년대 초반부터 이 면허 프로그램을 운영해 왔으며, 따라서 버지니아 주민들은 Virginia에 특유한 다양한 암석 및 토양 유형을 특징짓는 문서를 검토하고 서명하는 전문 지식을 갖춘 지질학자(PG)들의 지원을 받아왔습니다. 또한, 우리 지역의 지하수 대부분이 흐르는 기반암의 파쇄 구조와 지질 구조를 이해하는 데도 기여해 왔습니다. 

버지니아주의 지질학 면허 제도를 유지하십시오. 이 유익한 프로그램을 폐지하거나 없애지 마십시오. 

I support the continuation of the licensure program for geologists.

Having licensed geologists is important in maintaining a high degree of qualified individuals who work in areas of public importance. This is the same as licensing for professional engineers, soil scientists, and surveyors and serves to support public welfare and the safeguarding of life, health, property, and the environment. 

I support amending the regulation to make licensure of geologists a mandatory program and that the statutory language doing so should link our profession to public welfare and the safeguarding of life, health, property, and the environment.

I hope that the Department will continue and/or amend the geologist license program to insure the public is well served.

I appreciate your consideration and support.

As a Professional Geologist in Virginia (PG # 887) and other surrounding States, I believe that the public benefit of licensing Geologists practicing geologic work in Virginia is protective of the Citizens of the State of Virginia.   

Geologist licensure is overseen by a Regulatory Board which is protective of the public and maintains regulations to keep practicioners responsible for work in the State of Virginia.  The Rgulatory Board oversees the testing and licensure and maintains a process for citizens who have a legitimate complaint against a practitioner to seek resolution within the rules.    Geologist Licensing and supervision by the Board over the practitioners is a protection for the Citizens of  Virginia, and it would be a disservice to disrupt the PG Licensure Program. 

I have been a Professional Geologist doing projects in Virginia for over 30 years, and take the obligation to protect the citizens of Virginia very seriously.  The Public Benefit of Virigina Geologist Licensure is greater than the cost for the licensure program, and the Virginia Professional Licensure Program should be maintained. 

                       Michael G. Jones, PG # 887

It is with respect that I urge your careful consideration of and support for continuing the licensing of geologists in VA.

Daily, we provide services of critical importance not only to the public but also to local, municipal, and state government officials and leaders in multiple industries, including, but not limited to, water and wastewater, commercial and residential real estate, hard and soft-rock mining, forestry, environmental and energy, agriculture/viticulture, ground/air/rail transportation, construction, and recreation/tourism. Questionable work by unprepared, unlicensed, ill-trained, and uneducated practitioners could jeopardize public welfare and the safeguarding of life, health, property, and the environment. In addition, the outcomes of shoddy work could have significant financial impacts on Virginia's residents, tourists, employers, and employees.

Kindly amend the regulation to make VA geologist licensure a mandatory requirement.

Dan Jackson (#918)

저는 지질학자의 면허 취득을 적극 지지합니다. 저는 민간과 공공 부문에서 모두 일해본 결과 지질학자 면허를 소지하는 것이 공공, 민간, 환경 문제를 보호하는 데 중요하다는 사실을 깨달았습니다.

버지니아(및 3 다른 주)에 등록된 전문 지질학자로서 30 년 이상의 전문 경력을 가진 저는 공공 또는 민간 부문에서 서비스를 제공하는 지질학자의 의무 등록을 강력히 지지합니다.  전문가 등록에 수반되는 엄격한 교육, 경험 및 윤리적 요건은 다양한 서비스와 전문적인 조언을 위해 지질학자에게 의존하는 버지니아의 시민, 기업 및 지방 정부를 보호하는 안전장치입니다.  지질학자의 전문 등록은 사람과 환경의 건강과 안전을 보호하는 데 도움이 됩니다. 

아래는 공개 의견 수렴 기간에 제출한 제 의견입니다:

"위원회 이름을 지질학자를 먼저 나열하는 전문 지질학자, 토양 과학자 및 습지 전문가 위원회(" )로 변경하는 것이 좋습니다. 지질학자가 이사회 내에서 가장 많은 비율을 차지하는 직업이기 때문에 지질학자가 가장 먼저 나열되어야 합니다. 

지질학 인증 프로그램 챕터의 규정을 검토하세요: [18 VAC 145 ? 40].

"지질학 실습" 의 정의를 현재 표준 언어에 맞게 보다 현대적인 언어로 업데이트하는 것을 고려하세요.

지질학자 외에 "지구과학자" 를 포함하도록 규칙/규정을 업데이트합니다. 지구과학자를 포함하도록 규칙을 업데이트하면 대중을 보호하는 데 필요한 역량 요건을 유지하면서 해당 직업에 대한 접근성을 넓힐 수 있습니다. 지질학 업무에 대해 발표된 모범 법률과 테네시, 텍사스, 루이지애나 등 최근 전문 지질학자/지구과학자 면허 프로그램을 시행하고 있는 주의 규정을 비교하세요. 

교육과 경험은 지하를 이해하는 데 필요한 충분한 지식을 포함해야 합니다. 지질학자를 위한 인증/면허 프로그램을 운영하는 32 주 중에서 인증/면허 요건으로 미국 지질학협회(ASBOG)에서 발행하는 지질학 기초 및 실습 시험을 통과할 수 있어야 합니다. 

Virginia 공인 전문 지질학자(PG)는 지하수 오염 조사/복구 분야를 포함하여 많은 분야에서 중요한 역할을 담당하고 있습니다. 

버지니아 지질학에 대한 실무 지식을 갖춘 PG는 도로 절단, 터널, 굴착, 댐 등에 도움이 되는(또는 반대로 위험한) 지질학적 조건을 평가하고 싱크홀과 같은 카르스트 지형과 관련된 재산 피해/부상을 완화할 수 있는 고유한 기술을 갖추고 있기 때문에 공공 안전에 매우 중요합니다. 

최근 과불화 및 다불화 알킬 물질(PFAS)의 높은 독성과 지하수에서의 높은 이동성에 대한 이해를 바탕으로, 버지니아 주민과 기업에 공급되는 식수에 사용되는 지하수원을 보호하기 위해 환경 평가에 Virginia 인증 PG가 참여해야 할 필요성이 분명해졌습니다. 사실 대부분의 전문 엔지니어는 지하수 대수층을 보호하기 위해 오염물질의 운명과 이동의 복잡성을 기술적으로 평가할 배경 지식과 경험이 부족합니다. 

버지니아주 환경 품질부는 많은 Virginia 인증 PG를 고용하고 있습니다. 그리고 Virginia는 현재 Virginia와 같은 주를 통해 국가 PG 시험을 관리하는 잘 알려진 주 지질학 위원회 협회를 설립하는 데 있어 초기 리더로 두드러집니다.  

버지니아는 안타깝게도 자발적 PG 프로그램을 운영하는 일부 주에 속하지만(자발적이란 버지니아에서 지질학 업무를 수행하는 사람이 버지니아 공인 PG 라이선스를 보유할 필요가 없음을 의미함), 주에서 발급하는 PG 라이선스는 개인, 기업 및 규제기관에 지질학의 여러 분야(수리지질학, 광산 지질학, 공학 지질학, 지구화학, 지구물리학 등)에서 일하는 사람이 필요한 기본 교육과 경험을 갖추고 있음을 보장해줍니다. 

그리고 Virginia 지질학위원회에서 8 년간 활동해 온 저는 이 프로그램이 자체 자금으로 운영되기 때문에 Virginia 납세자에게 추가 비용이 발생하지 않는다는 것을 알고 있습니다. 또한 자발적인 프로그램이기 때문에 이 프로그램을 제거함으로써 이기적으로 (재정적 또는 정치적으로) 이익을 얻을 수 있는 단체를 제외하고는 상거래에 부정적인 영향이 전혀 없습니다.

이러한 이유로 자체 자금으로 운영되는 자발적인 버지니아 공인 PG 프로그램을 제거할 합리적인 근거는 없습니다. 

노스비쉬 전무이사님께,

I am writing to you to express my strong support for the the Commonwealth's Certified Professional Geologist program. I serve as Regional Partner for St. John Properties where I oversee our portfolio of more than 1,500,000 square feet of commercial real estate in Virginia and a development pipeline of another 1,500,000 square feet to be built in the next few years. I am also on the Executive Committee for Loudoun County, VA's Economic Development Advisory Commission. St. John Properties is one of the largest and most respected privately-held commercial real estate firms in the Mid-Atlantic. Several years ago we were recognized as the National Developer of the Year by our premier industry organization, NAIOP, and the U.S. Green Building Association holds us as one of the Nation's Top 5 developers/owners of LEED-certified buildings, LEED being the main U.S.  designation for environmentally sustainable buildings.  Upon completion of our buildings, we lease them to a wide variety of businesses that provide the Commonwealth with substantial new tax base, jobs, economic diversity, and small business opportunities.  We hold Virginia's Certified Professional Geologist (CPG) certification in high regard and it is widely recognized as a respected industry credential similar to being a Certified Public Accountant or Professional Engineer.  The CPG designation can only be obtained through accomplishment in study, relevant experience, and a rigorous board examination.  It is a mark of expertise and credibility that is respected by fellow developers, lenders, investors, and insurers.  Their confidence in the CPG designation encourages confidence in more investment into Virginia which promotes statewide economic development. As we develop our projects, we rely heavily on professionals with Virginia's CPG certification including all geotechnical and environmental matters. The certification tells us that these professionals understand Virginia's unique geology and environment, and that they have the expertise to guide us toward delivering projects that are high-quality, safe, and environmentally sustainable.

저는 버지니아 CPG이기 때문에 이 인증의 가치를 누구보다 잘 이해하고 있습니다. 지질학으로 대학 학위를 취득하고 수년간 관련 업무 경험을 쌓은 후, 저는 몇 년 전( 20 ) CPG 자격증을 취득했습니다. 제 경력은 상업용 부동산 회사를 이끄는 것으로 발전했지만, 저와 회사의 성공은 공인 전문 지질학자를 비롯한 전문가 팀 덕분이라고 생각합니다. 저는 정부를 간소화하고 비즈니스를 제한하는 불필요하고 불공정한 관료주의를 없애려는 노력을 존중하고 높이 평가합니다. 공중 보건, 생명, 재산 또는 환경에 미치는 영향이 제한적인 버지니아의 다른 면허/인증 프로그램에 대한 면밀한 검토를 권장합니다. 하지만 건강, 안전, 재산, 환경을 보호하는 데 있어 CPG 인증의 중요성은 아무리 강조해도 지나치지 않습니다. 이러한 이유로, 저는 버지니아의 CPG 인증이 Commonwealth를 위대하게 만드는 데 기여하는 소중한 자산이 될 수 있도록 보호해 주시기를 간곡히 부탁드립니다.   

진심으로,

매튜 F. 홀브룩, CPG

지역 파트너

세인트 존 프로퍼티, Inc. 

CPG No. 2801001511

버지니아에서 30년 이상의 경력을 쌓은 전문 지질학자로서, 무면허 및 무자격자가 지질학에 종사하는 것은 심각한 부정적인 결과를 초래할 수 있다고 경험을 통해 말할 수 있습니다.  전문 지질학자 자격증을 유지하고 더 나아가 확대하는 것은 Commonwealth 시민들에게 혜택이 될 것입니다.  

I've been a Virginia PG for over 20 years and have been responsible for environmental investigation and remediation projects throughout Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region during my career. Many of these projects have required a comprehensive understanding of a site's subsurface geology in order to characterize the impacts posed by a contaminant release, the associated risks to human health and the environment, and the appropriate remedies to mitigate risks and restore a site to productive use.  Pursuit/maintenance of a PG license is a demonstration that an individual is committed to the study of geology, the application of scientific principles to societal challenges, being accountable to the public, and to the betterment of outcomes for those served.  While my experience has been focused primarily on environmental impacts, the need to understand site geology is also paramount when evaluating geologic conditions for infrastructure development.  Contributions from Certified Professional Geologists ensure that our infrastructure and environment are safe, protected, and preserved for the benefit of all.  The potential impact and cost of unqualified professionals practicing geology far outweighs any perceived benefit associated with elimination/minimization of the PG licensure program.  I therefore support Virginia's current voluntary Certified Professional Geologist licensure program and would support an expanded requirement for a PG license with demonstrated continuing education to practice Geology in Virginia.  

As a practicing Certified Professional Geologist in Virginia, I strongly support continuing the certification process in Virginia. I also recommend making licensure mandatory for providing professional geological services. Geologists provide an essential service in both private and public sectors. The work we do protects public safety, supports infrastructure, and ensures the sustainably of our natural resources. These are essential services that require a complex skill set and knowledge base to execute properly.

Maintaining the rigorous standards associated with certification in Virginia ensures that only those with the necessary qualifications can perform these essential services. Allowing certifications to lapse would reduce the standard of care being paid to the important aspects of public safety, infrastructure, and sustainability that professional geologists are responsible for.

버지니아 주 공화국에서 활동 중인 전문 지질학자로서, 저는 지질학자 자격증 프로그램을 유지하는 것을 강력히 지지하며, 면허 취득을 의무화하기 위해 관련 법규를 개정하는 데 찬성합니다. 버지니아 주 지질학자들은 생명, 건강, 재산, 그리고 환경을 보호하는 데 필수적인 역할을 수행하며, 특정 전문 지식이 필요한 공공 서비스를 제공합니다. 따라서, 저는 최소 역량 검증의 중요성을 강조하며, 이를 위해 시험을 통한 검증 과정을 계속 진행해야 한다고 생각합니다. 이 "최소 역량"은 특히 인프라 설계와 자연 자원 보호의 맥락에서 볼 때 결코 사소한 것이 아닙니다. 면허를 소지한 전문 지질학자의 결정은 광범위한 영향을 미칠 수 있으며, 현재 적용되고 있는 기준을 완화하는 것은 책임감 없는 행동이라고 생각합니다.