I have been both consulting geologist and state regulator, so have witnessed first hand the importance of staying abreast of the latest developments in the environmental geology, hydrogeology, and engineering geology fields of practice to best serve the Commonwealth of Virginia and humanity in general. As with any specialized field of practice, passing certain tests for licensure, e.g. doctors, lawyers, engineers, geologists, soil scientists, or wetlands specialists, the level of service is assured and the confidence in that individual can be relied upon. 

It is my opinion that the statute that created the voluntary Geologist certification program in Virginia should be amended 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.  The decisions made for finding potable water sources, free of contaminants or the remediation of that groundwater and surface waters should be made a professional geologist. 

Virginia has had this licensure program at least since the 1990s and thus Virginians have benefitted from having PGs review and sign documents characterizing the varied rock and soil types unique to Virginia, and understanding the fracturing and structure of bedrock through which most of our groundwater flows. 

Keep Geology Licensure in Virginia; do not abolish or eradicate this beneficial program.