PWD Regulatory Updates
The Virginia Register of Regulations published a notice on December 30, 2024, announcing proposed changes to the ongoing review of 18VAC145-30, the regulations governing Professional Wetland Delineators (PWDs).
Key Details:
- The proposed regulatory changes aim to align with Executive Directive-1, which mandates a 25% reduction in Virginia regulations, and the 2023 Universal License Recognition Program, which allows wetland delineators from outside Virginia to apply for PWD certification with three years of experience.
- Proposed changes focus on removing redundant language already present in both State Statute (§ 54.1-22) and the current DPOR regulation (18VAC145-30).
- Public Comments on the proposed regulatory changes were received by DPOR through February 28, 2025. Reponses included 9 individual commenters. The full text of the proposed changes and public comments can be viewed through the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall page here.
DPOR Board Updates
The DPOR Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists last convened on December 2, 2024, to discuss regulatory updates, board actions, and industry developments.
The Board formally recognized outgoing member Robin Bedenbaugh who served two terms (2015–2024) as a Wetland Delineator Board Member. This seat was filled by Nathan Kuhn of Richmond, Senior Manager – Energy Transition at Jacobs Engineering, who was appointed by the Governor’s Office on October 4, 2024.
Proposed fee adjustments for licensing/certification were approved following a public comment period with minimal feedback. The revised fee structure is currently under review by the Governor’s office
EpicX (Efficient Processing, Intuitive Customer Experience), a new digital licensing system, is set to launch for PWD certifications in December 2025. The system will eliminate paper forms, allowing applicants to complete applications, update personal information, and access certification documentation online.
PWD Statistics
As of November 1, 2024, the Board reported:
- Total Certified PWDs: 145
- Recent PWD Exam Results:
| EXAM MONTH | # TAKEN | # PASSED | # FAILED | % PASS |
| FEB. 2024* | 21 | 06 | 15 | 28.57 % |
| AUG. 2024** | 22 | 15 | 07 | 68.18% |
* February Breakdown: 2 first-time passes, 4 repeat passes, 13 first-time fails, 2 repeat fails
** August Breakdown: 5 first-time passes, 10 repeat passes, 4 first-time fails, 3 repeat fails
Next DPOR Meeting
Interested in attending a DPOR meeting? The next meeting of the DPOR Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 10 am at 9960 Maryland Drive Richmond, Virginia 23233. The meeting is open to the public.
The DPOR Meeting calendar is updated if future meetings become rescheduled: Virginia Regulatory Town Hall – Meetings.
VAWP 2025 Winter Newsletter, Volume 1, Issue 1. Author: Eli Wright. Date: March 11, 2025
