As in many other states across the U.S., Virginia's Professional Geologist Certification is critical in protecting public health and safety throughout the Commonwealth.  Virginia Certified Professional Geologists (CPGs) provide expert support on a variety of infrastructure, human health and safety, and environmental projects and issues including but not limited to siting and development of safe and clean sources of drinking water, management and sustainability of water resources, assessment and cleanup of soil and groundwater contaminated by historic industrial and agricultural activities, and identification and mitigation of geological hazards such as slopes and soils for building foundations.  Without the continued support and maintenance of the Professional Geologist Certification, Virginia citizens, municipalities, and businesses cannot be assured that the Geologists they hire are bound by the strong professional, technical, and ethical standards that come with this certification.  To eliminate the CPG in Virginia would be a huge mistake and one that would certainly cost the citizens of the Commonwealth financially not to mention the potential impacts to public health, safety, and the environment.  

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and for doing the right thing in protecting and preserving Virginia's Professional Geologist Certification for now and for future generations of Virginia's citizens and the Commonwealth's unparalleled natural resources.

Sincerely,

Jason S. Early, PG

Senior Hydrogeologist, Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.