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.