FYI...I received the attached copy of a letter sent out by ASCE to a number of SE's:
Greetings,
Please see the attached e-mail relating to engineerapprovals.com. I sent this on to the Committee on Professional Conduct a couple weeks ago, and as you can see from the attached, it has been circulated on the NCEES list serve and to state investigators. Any individual can forward a complaint in Pennsylvania by contacting
Individuals also can contact the licensing Boards in New Jersey, New York or Maryland, where the individual(s) involved apparently also is licensed. (see
for licensing board contact information). I know of a number of complaints that already have been filed. This appears to be a clear violation of Pennsylvania licensing regulations, which allow for suspension or revocation of a license for use of a professional seal on work over which the engineer was not in responsible charge. Please let me know if anyone has any questions.
Actually, there was more than one e-mail attached to the one I posted. I'll copy all of them below, without the names of the individuals sending them, for privacy reasons.
Here they are:
(E-mail #1)
Subject: Interesting Site. Gives a new meaning to Professional Engineer.
I have rec'd info regarding a company stamping plans on the internet. I believe this is in violation of many states PE laws.
Texas has sent him a letter stating why it would be illegal for him to do this there and will act accordingly should he seek registration there.
Is this person an ASCE or SEI member? Is there anything we can do to help him realize engineering is not just about putting seals on drawings?
(E-mail #2)
Subject: RE: Interesting Site. Gives a new meaning to Professional Engineer.
I would agree that what he is doing is not legal in most states (and if not, it should be). I actually clicked through the submission process and was told I could get 20 sheets stamped for $320. Given that this individual states:
"It is understood the sealed documents are the property of the Respondents, and EngineerApprovals.com makes no claim to the information contained therein"
,I would think most boards would not let this individual practice in their state, even though they may allow "plan stamping".
(E-mail #3)
Hi everyone,
Just a quick note about this website - this website came to the attention of ASCE about 2 weeks ago and ASCE's Professional Practices Committee, ASCE's legal counsel, and NSPE are presently investigating its legality.
I've copied ASCE's counsel (Tom Smith) and Director of Professional Practice (Walt Marlowe) so that, as appropriate, they can provide additional information.