Discipline Notice: Jerry Raymond Lay, P.Eng.

On November 9, 2023, Jerry Raymond Lay, P.Eng. agreed to a Consent Order in which his registration with Engineers and Geoscientists BC is suspended for a period of two months. The suspension period started on November 17, 2023.

In 2019, Mr. Lay provided geotechnical engineering services for the design and construction of terraced rock walls for a single-family residence located in Vernon, BC (the Project). The homeowner became concerned about the stability of the terraced rock walls and observed that during periods of rainfall sand was pouring between the boulders. The homeowner was unsatisfied with Mr. Lay’s response to their request to remediate their concerns.

In the Consent Order, Mr. Lay admitted that he demonstrated unprofessional conduct with respect to the geotechnical engineering services he provided for the Project and that he acted contrary to the Bylaws of Engineers and Geoscientists BC. Mr. Lay agreed that, among other things, he failed to:

• undertake an adequate design process for the Project including complete adequate design calculations regarding the stability of the terraced rock walls;
• prepare or provide drawings, design plans, or written directives to the contractor regarding the construction of the terraced rock walls;
• fulfill his duties as Engineer of Record for the Project by improperly delegating his professional responsibilities to the contractor;
• carry out adequate field reviews and document field reviews during the construction stage of the Project; and
• engage an independent reviewer to analyze the design and drawings for the Project.

During the suspension period, Mr. Lay must complete educational courses and provide a declaration that he has read and is familiar with the Engineers and Geoscientists BC Professional Practice Guidelines: Retaining Wall Design.

As outlined in the Consent Order, following the suspension period, Mr. Lay’s work relating to retaining wall design must be peer reviewed for a minimum period of one year. Mr. Lay paid $3,000 toward the legal costs of Engineers and Geoscientists BC.

This is Mr. Lay’s second discipline order with Engineers and Geoscientists BC. In accordance with the 2009 Consent Order, he is prohibited from providing wastewater treatment and disposal systems engineering services.

The full text of the Consent Order can be found in the Disciplinary Notices section of our website.

Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s website contains information on the complaint, investigation, and discipline processes. You can contact us at 604.558.6647 or toll-free at 1.888.430.8035 ext. 6647, or by email at [email protected].