News

BRPELS Pro-Tem Board Member Walt Dale, PLS, was presented with a service award from Deputy Director Kristina Horton, PLS and Board Member Matt Rasmussen, PLS, PE. Walt is retiring as a pro-tem, after serving since 2023. Pro-Tem Board members typically assist with case management and fill-in when needed as a Board member. The recognition happened February 26, 2026, during the annual LSAW Conference, this year in Spokane. 

“Walt has been indispensable in helping with case management,” said Ken Fuller, BRPELS Director. “We greatly appreciate his professional survey…

BRPELS had four presentations and an exhibit booth this year, at the 2026 Land Surveyors Association of Washington’s (LSAW) Annual Conference. This year’s event was in Spokane, at the Davenport Grand Hotel, February 25 - 27. About 400 attendees were at this year’s conference.

BRPELS had four presentations, including:

Presenters included Board members Matt Rasmussen, PLS, PE, Jon Warren, PLS and Deputy Director, Kristina…

As societies grapple with widening inequalities, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), social science, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and finance emerges as a four-pillar approach to accelerate inclusive and sustainable development.

https://www.un.org/en/observances/women-and-girls-in-science-day

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).