1 August 2023

Via Electronic Mail

Kathleen R. Nosbisch, Executive Director 

DPOR, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, Virginia 23233 

Telephone: (804) 367-8514  

FAX: (866) 465-6206 

BPSSandWP@dpor.virginia.gov

Dean Ms. Nosbisch:

I am writing this as a citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia and a 25+-year practicing Certified Professional 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:

• Prepare water supply studies for public and private water supplies.
• Assess, clean-up, and redevelop brownfields to spur economic growth.
• Complete highway rock slope stability evaluations for roadway safety.
• Prepare dam and bridge foundation studies to support engineering design.
• Prepare mine safety studies to extract mineral resources safely and effectively.
• Position and monitor landfills to manage Virginia’s solid waste the to protect groundwater resources.
• Perform geologic and geophysical surveys to locate and mitigate active karst conditions beneath the Commonwealth’s infrastructure.
• Evaluate mineral and aggregate resources to construct the Commonwealth’s infrastructure.
• Assess and reclaim abandoned mine lands to revitalize Virginia’s natural resources.
• Assess and clean-up contaminated groundwater and soil to protect human health and the environment.
• Respond to natural hazards and provide consultation aimed at mitigating the hazards identified.

It is important that the individuals that serve in these roles are properly trained and have demonstrated minimum competency.  Just like engineers, verifying minimum competency through examination is one key role of the Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetlands Specialists, and Geologists.  Ensuring that geologic services are provided by competent geologists protects the environment and safeguards the life, health, and property of all Virginians.

Sincerely,

Montgomery S. Bennett, P.G., RSM

Principal Consultant

Haley & Aldrich, Inc.

13872 Coalfield Commons Place | Suite 200

Midlothian, VA 23114

O: 804-419-0010

C: (804) 467.8572

mbennett@haleyaldrich.com