I am a LPSS in Va.  I have served as Chairman of the Board for Professional Soil Scientist under DPOR in the past.  I would like to recommend the continued licensure of Soil Scientists in VA.  LPSS interact with the public, and local and state regulatory agencies in many aspects every day in VA.  LPSS have specialized knowledge and skills that make them especially qualified to provide soils services and expertise. 

An example of LPSS service to the community and state:  in 1995 the VA General Assembly passed HJR 570 related to shrink-swell soils.  I and another LPSS were able to assist Del. James F. Almand-Chairman, and the Va Housing Study Commission, to look into the problem of shrink-swell soils in VA and their damage to housing property.  Based on the soils work provided by LPSS and other soils professionals (with USDA-National Resources Conservation Service), recommendations were made for implementing soil testing requirements for shrink-swell prior to building residences in VA.  Because of this work,  building codes were amended to require that soil conditions and shrink-swell, be addressed by the local building officials statewide.  This has resulted in home and business damages from shrink-swell clay soils being reduced or eliminated.  This is but one example of LPSS service being provided to individual citizens, localities, and the state- it was Soil Scientist expertise that provided the technical support to make these essential regulatory changes.

LPSS are involved in many aspects of land use and development in VA every day, and all around us.  Many other professionals (like, engineers and regulators) rely on LPSS work in order to complete their projects.  LPSS are the most knowledgeable and often the best qualified to make soil determinations and recommendations:  such as ag and fertility recommendations to farmers, ranchers and land owners;  LPSS provide detailed technical reports and advice to regulatory agencies (like, the Va Dept of Health and DEQ and DCR), and commercial and individual homeowners, on such topics as septic systems, shrink-swell problems, erosion & sediment control, stormwater, land purchases & development.  

DPOR should not be trying to eliminate licensure of Soil Scientists but instead strengthen the program.  This is a valuable program for all state agencies LPSS interact with, as well as all citizens.  If I were to recommend change, it would be for DPOR to take action against those who do shoddy soils work and are not licensed, and be more diligent in going after LPSS who do poor work.  That would be the BEST way to help regulate the profession and help protect VA citizens, both financially and health wise.