Public Comments regarding 18VAC145-20; Transition Soil Scientists from Certification to Licensure

The Virginia Association of Professional Soil Scientists strongly supports the proposed regulations: 18VAC145-20; Transition Soil Scientists from Certification to Licensure.

We believe these proposed regulations are necessary and will serve to protect the land, property and citizens of Virginia. Currently, certification for soil science is only optional under Virginia law and does not provide adequate protection from unqualified professionals practicing soil science. Licensure will ensure that only those professionals specifically educated and trained in the field of soil science can practice soil science in the Commonwealth. Licensure will also provide a structure in which these professionals can be properly regulated.

Proper soil evaluation is critical to building housing developments and structures, developing agricultural farmland and protecting the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Inaccurate soil interpretation can have disastrous effects at the cost of taxpayers. Cracked foundations, falling roadways, loss of vegetation and water contamination are only some of the ramifications of unqualified professionals practicing soil science. These proposed regulations would prevent the severe economic impact and negative consequences homeowners, farmers and developers experience as a result of unregulated professionals practicing soil science. 

In addition, switching from certification to a national examination will provide consistency with the rest of the country and promote the industry of soil science by attracting more soil scientists to find work in Virginia. The national exam is the standard licensing examination for soil scientists and is given to soil scientists throughout the country.

We fully support the transition of soil scientists from certification to licensure and respectfully ask that the Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals and Geologists approve these proposed regulations in their current form.