There seemed to be a lot of interest in the on-site discussion that qas presented at this meeting. Tony Dohman presented a letter written by Randy Miles (a copy of the letter appears elsewhere in the Probauger) on accountability. Tony also discussed some changes in the regulations that have been proposed. Fred Young displayed some maps that were generated by GIS and talked about how they could be used with the progressive soil surveys.

After the meeting we adjourned to Ellis Porter Park where Brad Berhorst and company fed us very well after the light switches were finally found.

About thirty people were present for the MAPSS field tour the next norning. The forecasted rain held off until the tour was completed. Greg Caldwell, DNR Soil Scientist, started the meeting with a brief overview of he Soils and Geology occurring in Cole County. Then, Stan Cowan, DOH Sanitarian, discussed potential changes in on-site septic regulations. after Stan was finished, Bob Ege, DOH engineer, presented information on Soil Treatment vs. Soil Infiltration and the relevance of each parameter in selecting an effective on-site septic treatment system. There was a lot of discussion and information exchange that took place.

Afterwards, brief visits at three pits were made. The soil series observed were Wrengart, Gatewood and Jemerson. The meeting ended at noon. Several people expressed the need for more opportunities such as this to be nade available concerning on-site septic issues.

Robert Rouse and Wyn Kelley

MAPSS will offer the opportunity to take the MAPSS Certification Test on Thursday, June 18, 1998, to any qualified individuals who submit their application by May 8, 1998. The written and field test will both be completed on the 18th. Details on the place and time will be forwarded to qualified applicants.

I encourage all MAPSS members, active soil scientists, and anyone doing on-site investigations to take this test. Hopefully, someday we will have a Large enough body of certified individuals to encourage the State and County Health Departments to only allow a certified soil scientist to do soil morphological investigations. Both Arkansas and Illinois have accompIished requiring certified soil scientists to do onsites, maybe we an accomplish this also if we care enough to put voluntary standards on Ourselves.

send applications to Dave Skaer/114 W. Euclid/Sullivan, MO 63080 by May 8.

Dear MAPSS Members:

The role of soil scientists has dramatically changed over the past few years. It has been a delight to be wanted and valued for the services and information we can provide in areas such as storm water management and on-site wastewater disposal and treatment. For years many of us have desired to have input into a wide variety of soils and land use decisions much like engineers, lawyers, etc.

Now that we have "that foot in the door" it is time that we take hold of what we have some control over and he ACCOUNTABLE! What I am referring to are professional protocol standards that a soil scientist must follow. As many of you know, J have been highly involved in on-site wastewater treatment and disposal over the past few years. Tlirough the efforts of many MAP 55 members soil morphological descriptions are the accepted norm for site evaluation. This is a great improvement over the standard "pere test." However, I have become deeply disturbed that some shortcuts have been taken in this evaluation process. My concern arises from the consistent use of probes and augers for soil morphological evaluations while at the same time soil morphological properties such as soil structure are reported. To be blunt, this is fraudulent! We., assoil scientists, have worked diligently to be of equal status with the engineers: Engineers must follow.some type of protocol, therefore, we must develop challenging but realistic standards.

I have become deeply concerned that some non-scientists (primarily sanitarians) have been convinced by our actions (Or lack thereof) that soil science is "easy~' and lookini,~ at a mangled mess of mud will give all the answers I write to challenge our organization, MAPSS, to develop some reasonable sampling protocol criteria to relay to those setting specifications. My main contention is that soils evaluations must be made primarily from an excavation or pit to fully describe the following properties one could not readily determine from a boring or probing (even a 3 inch probing).

1. Soil Structure and ped coatings
2. Boundary distinctness
3. Coarse fragment content, size ai~d orientation
4. Orientation of mottles and ped surfaces to delineate vector of water movement
5. Delineation Ofeompound structure
6. A better snapshot of variabilitv over the excavation distance
7. Other pedological features

Yes, many of us have performed an evaluation or two when we encounter a failing system and may make the Site worse by puddling the surface by machinery. However, just as with soil testing for agronomic purposes, assessing the site is the most important phase of the program. I hear people saying we're saving a homeowner money by not digging a pit with a bachoe but are we really? Mistaking a silt coat for a gray mottle in a 1 inch probe can be very costly relative to what one could see in an excavation.

Now that I'm off my soapbox. Please give Tony Dohmen or me some feedback on this as well as the attached proposed loading ratios for on-site system.

Thanks! I do feel better!

Respectfully
Randall J. Miles Associate Professor of Soil Science

Date: April 17, 1998

From: David Hammer, University of Missouri
Dean Martin, MO Department of Natural Resources
Dennis Potter, Natural Resources Conservation Svc
Co-chairs, North Central Regional Soil Survey Conf Steering Committee

To: Soil Science Professionals

Subject: 1998 North Central Regional Soil Survey Conference

We would like to extend an open and hearty invitation to all of you to attend this year's regional conference in Columbia, Missouri.

The planned program has three primary objectives:

1. Discuss the implications and potentials of the future of soil survey
2. Share with you the diversity and beauty of some of Missouri's soil, water and vegetational resources.
3. Have a good time

In addition to the professional program, two fun, interesting and educational opportunities await your spouses, family members and friends that may accompany you.

Enclosed with this memo is an overview of the conference schedule, conference registration form, hotel registration form, information on the two tours scheduled for spouses and friends, and some additional information that you will find useflil for yourjoumey to central Missouri.

The registration fee includes all meals for participants.

Don't miss this excellent educational and informational opportunity to network with colleagues that share your interests. We look forward to seeing you in Columbia!

Please contact us should you have any questions.