Section 90. The practice of engineering

A. An AOSE may site and design traditional onsite systems; however, § 32.1-163.5 of the Code of Virginia provides that no one other than a licensed professional engineer may practice engineering. Section 54.1-400 of the Code of Virginia states the "practice of engineering" means any service wherein the principles and methods of engineering are applied to, but are not necessarily limited to, the following areas: consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning and design of public or private utilities, structures, machines, equipment, processes, transportation systems and work systems, including responsible administration of construction contracts. The term "practice of engineering" shall not include the service or maintenance of existing electrical or mechanical systems.

B. An AOSE may submit site and soil evaluations as described in this chapter for any traditional system regardless of whether the system design requires an engineer. An AOSE, however, may only submit system designs and specifications for systems that do not require the practice of engineering. When a system is sufficiently complex to require the practice of engineering, formal plans and specifications, sealed by a professional engineer (PE) shall be required.

C. Some traditional systems (see definition) may require the practice of engineering. An AOSE may design traditional systems that do not require the practice of engineering.

D. When engineering plans and specifications are required for an application submitted pursuant to this chapter, the site evaluation work shall be either conducted and certified by an AOSE or certified by a PE working in consultation with an AOSE. When the site and soil evaluation submitted in support of the application is submitted by a PE, the engineer shall submit a statement indicating that he consulted with a specific AOSE, giving both the name and certification number of the AOSE, on the proposal under review.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. July 1, 2002.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-163.5 and 32.1-164 of the Code of Virginia.