TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
BOARD FOR PROFESSIONAL SOIL SCIENTISTS, WETLAND PROFESSIONALS, AND GEOLOGISTS
Final Regulation
REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists is claiming an exemption from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act in accordance with § 2.2-4006 A 4 a of the Code of Virginia, which excludes regulations that are necessary to conform to changes in Virginia statutory law or the appropriation act where no agency discretion is involved. The board will receive, consider, and respond to petitions by any interested person at any time with respect to reconsideration or revision.
Title of Regulation: 18VAC145-40. Regulations for the Geology Certification Program (amending 18VAC145-40-10).
Statutory Authority: § 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Effective Date: October 1, 2024.
Agency Contact: Kathleen R. Nosbisch, Executive Director, Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-8514, FAX (866) 465-6206, or email soilscientist@dpor.virginia.gov.
Summary:
Pursuant to Chapters 4 and 23 of the 2024 Acts of Assembly, the amendments (i) make changes to the definitions of "practice of geology," "geologist," and "geology" and (ii) add a definition for "geological mapping."
18VAC145-40-10. Definitions.
The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Board" means the Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists.
"Geological mapping" means the process of creating a map on which is recorded geological information, such as the distribution, nature, and age of relationships of rock units, in which surficial deposits may or may not be mapped separately, and the occurrence of structural features such as folds, faults, and joints; mineral deposits; and fossil localities. "Geological mapping" may indicate geologic structure by means of formational outcrop patterns, by conventional symbols giving the direction and amount of dip at certain points, or by structure-contour lines.
"Geologist" means a person engaged in the public practice of geology.
"Geologist-in-Training (GIT)" means an individual who has completed the academic requirements specified in this chapter and has passed the Fundamentals of Geology examination, but has not met all requirements to qualify as a Virginia certified professional geologist.
"Geology" means the science dealing with encompassing those principles methods related to (i) the earth and its history in general; (ii) the investigation, prediction, evaluation, and location of materials and structures which that compose the earth; (iii) the natural processes that cause changes in the earth; and (iv) the application of knowledge of the earth, its processes, and its constituent rocks, minerals, liquids, gases, and other natural materials.
"Practice of geology" means the performance of any professional service or work for the general public wherein the principles and methods of geology are applied, including (i) investigating, evaluating, and consulting; (ii) geological mapping; (iii) describing the natural processes that act upon the earth's materials; (iv) predicting the probable occurrence of natural processes; and (v) inspecting, planning, and performing and supervising geological work in order to enhance and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public and the environment.
"Qualified geologist" means an uncertified person who possesses all the qualifications specified in § 54.1-2208.2 of the Code of Virginia for certification.
"Related geological science degree" means a degree that shall include, but not be limited to, a degree in economic geology or petroleum geology.
"Responsible charge" means the direct control and supervision of the practice of geology.
"Supervision" means quality control review of all significant data collection, interpretation, and conclusions.
"Virginia certified professional geologist" means a person who possesses all qualifications specified in this chapter for certification and whose competence has been attested by the board through certification.
VA.R. Doc. No. R25-7856; Filed August 06, 2024