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: 18VAC145-30. Regulations Governing Certified Professional Wetland Delineators (amending 18VAC145-30-40).
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 (804) 527-4294, or email soilscientist@dpor.virginia.gov.
Summary:
Pursuant to Chapter 545 of the 2024 Acts of Assembly, the amendments reduce to three years (i) the number of years of relevant experience an applicant with a bachelor's degree in a relevant field must have to be certified as a professional wetland delineator and (ii) the required experience that the applicant must have in wetland science research or as a teacher of wetlands curriculum in an accredited institution of higher education in order to be certified.
18VAC145-30-40. Qualification for examination.
A. In order to qualify for the examination, an applicant shall provide three written references that comply with subsection B of this section and satisfy one of the following criteria:
1. Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a wetland science, biology, biological engineering, civil and environmental engineering, ecology, soil science, geology, hydrology, or any similar biological, physical, natural science, or environmental engineering curriculum that has been approved by the board; have successfully completed a course of instruction in state and federal wetland delineation methods that has been approved by the board; and have at least four three years of experience in wetland delineation, which meets the requirements of subdivision 1 or 2 of 18VAC145-30-50, the quality of which demonstrates to the board that the applicant is competent to practice as a certified professional wetland delineator;
2. Have a record of at least six years of experience in wetland delineation, which meets the requirements of subdivision 1 or 2 of 18VAC145-30-50, the quality of which demonstrates to the board that the applicant is competent to practice as a certified professional wetland delineator; or
3. Have a record of at least four three years of experience in wetland science research or as a teacher of wetlands curriculum in an accredited institution of higher education, which meets the requirements of subdivision 3 of 18VAC145-30-50, and the quality of which demonstrates to the board that the applicant is competent to practice as a certified professional wetland delineator.
B. Every applicant shall provide three written references, on a form provided by the board, from wetland professionals with at least one from a certified professional wetland delineator. Individuals who provide references shall not be related to the applicant and shall have known the applicant for at least one year. Individuals who provide references may not also verify experience, including research or teaching experience.
NOTICE: The following forms used in administering the regulation have been filed by the agency. Amended or added forms are reflected in the listing and are published following the listing. Online users of this issue of the Virginia Register of Regulations may also click on the name to access a form. The forms are also available from the agency contact or may be viewed at the Office of Registrar of Regulations, General Assembly Building, 201 North Ninth Street, Fourth Floor, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
FORMS (18VAC145-30)
Professional Wetland Delineator Certification Application, A439-3402CERT-v1 (rev. 9/13)
Professional Wetland Delineator Certification Application, A439-3402CERT-v2 (rev. 7/2024)
Professional Wetland Delineator Experience Log, A439-3402EXP-v2 (rev. 3/2015)
Professional Wetland Delineator Reference Form, A439-3402REF-v1 (rev. 9/2013)
VA.R. Doc. No. R25-7857; Filed August 06, 2024