As used in this chapter:

(1) "Board" means the State Board of Registration for Geologists.

(2) "Geologist" means a person with special knowledge of the science of geology, hydrology, geophysics, and related earth sciences and principles and methods of geological analysis acquired by professional education and practical experience.

(3) "Geologist-in-training" means a person who possesses the qualifications prescribed in Section 40-77-230 and who has been certified as a geologist-in-training.

(4) "Geology" means the science dealing with the earth and its history; investigation, prediction, and location of the materials and structures which compose it; the natural processes that cause change in the earth; and the applied science of utilizing knowledge of the earth and its constituent rocks, minerals, liquids, gases, and other materials for the benefit of mankind. This definition does not include a service or creative work, the adequate performance of which requires engineering education, training, and experience.

(5) "Public practice of geology" means the performance of geological service or work in the nature of consultation, investigation, surveys, evaluations, planning, mapping, and inspection of geologic work required for or supporting compliance with municipal, county, State of South Carolina, or federal regulations. The "public practice of geology" does not include the practice of engineering as defined in Chapter 21.

(6) "Registered professional geologist" means a person registered as a professional geologist by the board pursuant to Section 40-77-230.

(7) "Responsible charge of work" means the independent control and direction by the use of initiative, skill, and independent judgment of geological work or the supervision of geological work. Responsible charge of geologic teaching or research may be construed as responsible charge of important geological work.

HISTORY: 1986 Act No. 507, Section 1; 1998 Act No. 354, Section 1.