Environmental Protection Division

The Environmental Protection Division (EPD) is part of the Department of Natural Resources of the State of Georgia. The EPD regulates natural resources and the contractors' licenses to perform work in Georgia. Under the EPD, there are currently three branches: the Air Protection Branch, Land Protection Branch, and Watershed Protection Branch. The Environmental Protection Division offers licenses under two of those branches. The first one is the Land Protection Branch, which regulates the disposal and treatment of solid waste and other licensing programs. The Land Protection Branch has two programs that regulate licensure processes: the Asbestos Program (which regulates the Asbestos Abatement Contractor, Supervisor, and Inspector licenses) and the Lead-Based Paint Program (that manages the Lead Services Firm, Lead Services Worker, Supervisor, Inspector, Risk Assessor, Renovator, and Project Designer licenses). The second one is the Watershed Protection Branch which enforces regulations and protection programs to ensure the correct use and management of water resources in Georgia. This branch offers three Water Well Contractor licenses, administered directly by the EPD: the Water Well Contractor, Pump Contractor, and Drilling Contractor licenses.

Two main testing companies are administering examinations for the State of Georgia Environmental Protection Division: Pearson Vue© (Lead Inspectors, Lead Risk Assessors, and Lead Supervisors) and PSI© (Water Well Contractors and Pump Contractors). However, some licenses are exempt from testing: Asbestos licenses, Lead workers, and Renovator licenses. In addition, the Lead Services Project Designer must not take a trade test; they must pass the Supervisor exam.

Land Protection Branch

The Land Protection Branch is a branch within the Environmental Protection Division. The Asbestos Program and the Lead-Based Paint Program are the two programs that regulate licenses within the Land Protection Branch.

Georgia Abestos Licenses

Asbestos Abatement
Asbestos Supervisor

How to Apply for Asbestos Licenses in Georgia?

Fill out and submit a completed application with the appropriate fees or apply online. Please refer to their instruction manual for more information on accessing and registering for the online portal. The application must be filled out completely and include the following:
- Proof of completion of an initial training course certified by one of the approved training providers, and must fulfill these requirements:
  - The course must have been completed 48 hours before the preliminary process of applying
  - The duration of the course shall be 32 hours or more and must be passed with a minimum 70% score in the final testing
  - Verification of reliability in previous contracting projects
  - Documentation proving experience in Abatement projects, which must be shown by submitting proof of having completed three previous Asbestos Abatement projects
  - Certification of written standard operating procedures that ensure compliance with employee respiratory protection, work, worker, and public protection practices, and bulk and air sampling procedures for asbestos abatement activities
  - Supporting documents to certify the applicant’s competence in Asbestos Abatement activities (if applicable):
    - Descriptive document that mentions the activities that were concluded before completion and specifications regarding the reason why they were concluded
    - List of contractual penalties the applicant might have paid due to non-compliance with contract specifications
    - Information on any citations made by the State or any federal agency because of a violation of Asbestos Abatement Codes
    - Descriptive list of all the processes, lawsuits, and claims made toward the applicant in regards to Asbestos activities
    - Proof of training provided to the applicant’s employees on the processes, dangers, and pertinent information related to Asbestos Abatement
    - Demonstrate availability of personal and public protective equipment associated with Asbestos Abatement activities
Expect a response from the Program regarding the license if approved. Note that licenses may take up to four weeks to arrive

The Inspector and Supervisor licenses are not issued by the Division, but they must complete a training program with one of the approved providers. For further information on the licenses, please contact the Land Protection Branch at 404-362-2537. Bear in mind that testing is not required for the Asbestos Program licenses.

Georgia Lead-Based Paint Licenses

Inspector
Lead Services Firm
Renovation Firm
Worker
Project Designer
Renovator
Risk Assessor
Supervisor

How to Obtain a Lead-based Paint License in Georgia?

Apply to become either a Georgia-Certified Lead Services Firm or a Georgia-Certified Renovation Firm to qualify to apply for any of the disciplines:
- Create an account on the GEOS webpage to submit the application
- Submit the required fees through the application webpage
Meet the requirements and follow the steps for the desired discipline:
- Inspector:
  - No work history or education is required
  - Have attended a three-day initial training course
  - Take and pass the Lead and Environmental Hazards Association (LEHA) Inspector examination with Pearson Vue©
  - Submit an online application through the GEOS website and, if applicable, attach a Notice to Proceed form. Also, include the following:
    - Color headshot photo
    - Training certificate(s)
    - Third-party certification exam letter(s)
    - Any required fees
- Worker:
  - No work history or education is required
  - Have attended a two-day initial training course
  - No examination is required
  - Submit an online application through the GEOS website and, if applicable, attach a Notice to Proceed form. The applicant must include the following:
    - Color headshot photo
    - Training certificate(s)
    - Any required fees
- Project Designer:
  - Meet the education/work requirements:
    - Have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, or a similar profession, and 1 year of experience in building construction & design or a similar area; OR have 4 years of experience in building construction & design or a related field
    - Have attended a one-day initial training course and the supervisor training course
    - No examination is required for the trade, but the Supervisor exam must be completed through Pearson Vue© Submit an online application through the GEOS website and, if applicable, attach a Notice to Proceed form.
    - Additionally, you must include the following:
      
      Color headshot photo
      
      Training certificate(s)
      
      Work history/education documentation
      
      3rd party certification exam letter(s)
      
      Any required fees
- Renovator:
  - An examination is not required
  - No work history or education is required
  - Have attended an eight-hour initial training course
  - Submit an online application through the GEOS website. Include the following with the application:
    - Training certificate(s)
    - Passport-size color photo
    - Any required fees
- Risk Assessor:
  - Meet the education/work requirements:
    - Bachelor’s degree & 1 year of experience in a related field; OR an Associate’s degree & 2 years of experience in a related field; OR certification as an industrial hygienist, PE, registered architect, and/or certification in a related engineering/health/environmental field; OR a high school diploma (or equivalent) & at least 3 years of experience in a related field
  - Choose the desired license option
    - Risk Assessor:
      
      Have attended a two-day initial training course
      
      Take and pass the LEHA Risk Assessor examination with Pearson Vue©
    - Combined Risk Assessor/Inspector:
      
      Have attended a two-day initial training course and the Inspector initial training course
      
      Take and pass the LEHA combined Risk Assessor/Inspector examination with Pearson Vue©
      
      Submit an online application through the GEOS website and, if applicable, attach a Notice to Proceed form. The applicant must also include the following:
      
      Color headshot photo
      
      Training certificate(s)
      
      Work history/education documentation
      
      Third-party certification exam letter(s)
      
      Any required fees
- Supervisor:
  - One year of experience as a lead worker; OR at least 2 years of experience in a related field or in building trades
  - Have attended a four-day initial training course
  - Take and pass the LEHA Supervisor examination provided by Pearson Vue©
  - Submit an online application through the GEOS website. The applicant must include the following:
    - Color headshot photo
    - Work history/education documentation
    - Training certificate(s)
    - 3rd party certification exam letter(s)
    - Any required fees
Await the Lead-Based Paint Program to issue the license depending on the payment type chosen and workload. ACH payments are processed more quickly. Note that this may take up to 2 weeks

Please note that all applications and documents should be submitted only through the GEOS site. Neither the Program nor GEOS will accept any paper applications, documents, or forms. This process is done strictly online.

Watershed Protection Branch

The Watershed Protection Branch is one of the branches that fall within the EPD. The Water Well Standards Advisory Council is part of that Branch, and it is in charge of implementing the Water Well Standards Act requirements, which include the licensure and certification of contractors. The EPD acts as an agent for this council and supports them with reviewing and processing applications, performing examinations, and issuing licenses and certificates.

Georgia Water Well Standards Licenses

Water Well Contractor
Pump Contractor

How to Get a Water Well Standards License in Georgia?

Meet the experience requirements:
- Have 2 years of experience in the water well construction business under licensed water well contractor(s) or working in the pump installation business under certified pump contractor(s) depending on the license chosen
Take and pass the desired examination with PSI©:
- Water Well Contractor:
  - Take both the Georgia Water Well Law and General Drilling exams, along with one of the following tests:
    - Cable Tool Drilling
    - Air Rotary Drilling
    - Mud Rotary Drilling
    - Reverse Circulation Drilling
    - Jetting and Driving Wells
    - Augering and Monitoring
- Pump Contractor:
  - Must take both the Georgia Water Well Law and General Water Systems, along with one of the following exams:
    - Water Systems Less Than 100 GPM
    - Water Systems Greater Than 100 GPM
Submit the required documentation:
- Proof of experience in the form of a certified affidavit from one or more licensed Water Well or Pump contractors. If unable to provide an affidavit, provide documents that prove the applicant’s 2 years of experience with a certified contractor.
- Valid photo identification
- Passing test results for the chosen test(s)
Fill out and complete the application form and submit it along with any required fees and documents to the following address:
GA EPD
531 Main St., Suite D
Tifton, GA 31794
Expect a notice from the Water Well Standards Advisory Council regarding the approval or denial of the application
Submit the following documents once approved:
- Performance Bond or Letter of Credit in the amount of $30,000 (for Water Well Contractors) or $20,000 (for Pump Contractors)
- License or certificate fee in the amount required by The Council
Await the Council’s response in regards to when the license will be issued

Drilling Contractors who are working under a professional geologist or a professional engineer and performing work on structures other than water wells, must submit a Performance Bond or an Irrevocable Letter of Credit for a minimum of $15,000, along with a Registration Form to:
GA EPD
531 Main St., Suite D
Tifton, GA 31794

Contact Information and Useful Links for the Environmental Protection Division Licenses

Helpful Links and Resources

Details: Written by: Isabella Alzate; Published: July 7, 2023; Last Updated: August 14, 2023

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Article Index

Environmental Protection Division

Land Protection Branch

Georgia Abestos Licenses

How to Apply for Asbestos Licenses in Georgia?

Georgia Lead-Based Paint Licenses

How to Obtain a Lead-based Paint License in Georgia?

Watershed Protection Branch

Georgia Water Well Standards Licenses

How to Get a Water Well Standards License in Georgia?

Contact Information and Useful Links for the Environmental Protection Division Licenses

Helpful Links and Resources

Important Contact Information

Environmental Protection Division

Department of Natural Resources

Land Protection Branch

Watershed Protection Branch

Asbestos Program

Lead-based Paint Program

Pearson Vue©

PSI©