News

About 550 people recently attended the 2026 “Septic-Con” at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, bringing together professionals, policymakers, researchers and stakeholders regarding sustainable and efficient decentralized wastewater solutions.

BRPELS and WOSSA held an update for about 65 attendees, on Friday, January 23. Presenters included Ken Fuller, PE, BRPELS Director, Leigh McIntire WOSSA Executive Director, Ric Wilkerson, BRPELS On-Site Committee Member and Designer, Bob Suggs, Tacoma Pierce County Health Department Regulator and On…

BRPELS recently spoke with the Society of American Military Engineers, Mount Tacoma Post.  Internal Control Manager, Kevin Ballard presented to the group’s monthly meeting, regarding BRPELS mission, proposed WAC language and future license decoupling. He also highlighted several process improvements BRPELS accomplished in 2025, to exceed the requirements of Executive Order 25-03 (Transparency and Efficiency) and 25-06 (Customer Service). Kevin also addressed the importance of public safety, by getting…

Our agency newsletter has arrived. It’s packed with news and timely information about professional licensing for engineers, land surveyors and on-site wastewater designers and inspectors. Get your copy here.

BRPELS staff recently visited a meeting of the North Olympic Chapter of the Land Surveyors’ Association of Washington (LSAW). Deputy Director Kristina Horton, PLS, updated members on our agency, licensing and changes to applying online. She also spoke on the relationship between BRPELS and NCEES, the possibility of WA decoupling exams from experience, and finally compliance and investigations.

“These chapter meeting visits are always so engaging. Members have lots of great questions that often lead to valuable discussions,” said Kris. “The surveyors take their jobs very seriously…

BRPELS Board Member Mike Harney, PE, P. Eng., ENV SP, spoke to about a dozen engineering students at Saint Martin’s University in Lacey. He explained the importance of professional licensing, how to navigate the process and engineering ethics.

Mike also gave a real-world example of an engineering mistake, its ethical choices and a what ended up as a positive outcome. Mike spoke on Wednesday, December 1, 2025.

Forged professional licenses are on the rise! To keep your PE & PLS license from getting stolen: 

For digitally signed documents, use a secure app with identity validation and audit trails. For physical documents, be aware of forgery techniques like using a deceased engineer's credentials. 

BRPELS Board member Marjorie Lund, PE, SE presented to an engineering master’s program class at Seattle University (SU), on the sensitive topic of “Difficult Conversations.” Marjorie explained how they will happen during one's career and how to plan for successful outcomes. She gave practical advice on many subjects along with personal lessons learned. She also addressed ethics and the pathway of licensing; Fundamentals of Engineering (FE), Professional Engineer (PE) and Structural Engineer (SE).

BRPELS Director, Ken Fuller, PE, recently presented and lead a discussion on the importance of licensing and ethics to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Tacoma-Olympia Younger Member’s Group, on the Saint Martin’s University campus, in Lacey.

Ken explained the benefits of getting licensed, the pathway to becoming a professional engineer (PE) and ethical obligations to clients and the public. He also walked members through two ethical examples.

About 25 ASCE members attended the meeting, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.…

Today, Nov. 5, is American Society of Civil Engineers Day, celebrating the Society’s founding on Nov. 5, 1852. On this day, 173 years ago, 12 esteemed engineers gathered at New York City’s Croton Aqueduct to launch what would become the American Society of Civil Engineers. ASCE Day commemorates our profession’s rich history, collective impact, and limitless future, one devoted to serving the public good every day.

BRPELS Board member Dave Peden, PE, SE, spoke to about 40 members of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Seattle, Younger Member’s Forum (YMF) at the University of Washington campus, on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

Dave talked about the YMF group helping to promote STEM, the importance and process of professional licensing and ethical obligations as a PE. Dave also gave an example of an ethical decision, after an engineering mistake was discovered, mid project.

…