Bio
Mr. Glen Wade is a licensed engineering geologist with 20 years of experience. His experience is primarily in engineering geology and geotechnical engineering, but it also includes environmental geology. His typical tasks include performing geologic and geotechnical field investigations, analyzing geotechnical data, preparing geotechnical reports, and advising on geotechnical construction. His career has covered materials laboratory and field testing; geotechnical investigations for dams, levees, bridges, roadways, and commercial and residential buildings; shoreline stabilization; underground utilities; mining reclamation; forestry slope stability; river channel migration zone assessments; environmental investigations; geophysical investigations; instrumentation; and geologic mapping.
Mr. Wade has addressed many geologic and geotechnical problems, including landslides, seismic hazards, faults, liquefactions, tsunami hazards, bluffs, soft soil, drainage, erosion, and rock fall. He has also worked on drilled and driven pilings, soil and rock anchors, mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls, foundations in rock, scour, shoring, dewatering, wells, and soil and groundwater contamination.
Relevant Experience
Coastal Engineering
Maunalua Bay Dredging and Infrastructure Improvements, Oahu, Hawaii — Advised the project coastal engineers on the site geology and likely subsurface conditions, determining the scope of exploratory drilling and laboratory testing. Developed geotechnical design parameters for sheet pilings, rock bulkheads, structural fill, and the placement of dredged material based on boring data, laboratory testing, and surface conditions. Wrote geotechnical sections of engineering reports and specifications.
Ecola Creek Estuarine Erosion Evaluation and Bank Stabilization Project, Oregon — Evaluated the geomorphology and subsurface geologic conditions relevant to the proposed mitigation of ongoing bank erosion that is threatening public and private infrastructure, and residential structures. The site is located along an estuarine river channel that is intermittently eroded by ocean waves, high tides, and river flood events. Prior erosion mitigation efforts at the site have been unsuccessful, and future stabilization efforts must comply with Oregon State Goal 18, necessitating a nature-based alternative solution for erosion mitigation that will not adversely affect sensitive habitat and beaches.
Murray Street Bridge over Woods Lagoon, Santa Cruz, California — Forensically investigated existing deep foundations and drilled geotechnical borings with undisturbed samples in soft lagoon sediments and cored underlying rock to support new retrofit foundations for this major thoroughfare through the Santa Cruz Harbor. Researched and field mapped adjacent geology and infrastructure to evaluate project impacts and geologic hazards. Interpreted mapping, boring, and laboratory test data to develop engineering properties for design of the seismic retrofit of the structure and evaluate geologic hazards from tsunamis, liquefaction, landslides, and corrosion.
Yurok Tribe Fish Processing Facility, Requa, California — For this new facility at the mouth of the Klamath River, assessed hazards including seismic shaking, liquefaction, tsunami, coastal and river flooding, soft soils, and rock fall. The subsurface exploration included coring hard rock, undisturbed samples in soft soils, heaving sands, and drilling through buried logs, which resulted in multiple foundation types and complex construction recommendations.
Geotechnical Investigation
Space Fence Base Station, U.S. Department of Defense, Kwajalein, Marshall Islands — Sensitive and critical infrastructure for tracking atmospheric and orbiting objects had low tolerance for settlement and differential settlement. Logged borings in fossil reef, coral rubble, soft lagoon soils, and volcanic rock. Performed in situ load tests. Managed and performed laboratory testing.
County and Local Bridge and Roadway Geotechnical Investigations, Northern, Central, and Southern California — Investigated subsurface conditions with exploratory drilling, geophysics, and instrumentation. Installed and monitored instrumentation. Performed forensic studies. Drafted logs and maps in AutoCAD and gINT to Caltrans design standards. Wrote geotechnical reports with seismic design parameters, foundation design parameters, geologic interpretation, geologic hazard assessments, groundwater and surface water management recommendations, drilling recommendations, grading and pavement recommendations, and specifications for long-term instrumentation.
New Dungeness Light Station Access Road Landslide Repair, Sequim, Washington — On an emergency timeline, characterized landslide and site geologic conditions, designed retaining wall and roadway repairs, and provided construction consultation for the reconstruction of the only maintenance and emergency vehicle access to the historical lighthouse and the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. Mapped the surface conditions and landslide, developed a subsurface exploratory drilling program, determined appropriate laboratory testing, analyzed the data to develop earth parameters and cross sections, designed a driven piling and helical anchor wall in soft soils, and provided soil and slope stability information for vegetation restoration.
New Grant Street School, Port Townsend, Washington — Developed a scope of exploratory drilling, laboratory testing, and geologic hazard review. Logged soil borings and determined laboratory testing methods. Analyzed surface conditions, subsurface boring data, and laboratory test results to determine design earth parameters and construction recommendations for foundations and grading. Reviewed and guided materials testing and other construction monitoring.
Stormwater Improvements, Port of Port Angeles, Washington — This project included adding water treatment and controlled flow systems to a low-lying industrial shoreline area, where there is a thick layer of uncontrolled fill over soft estuarine deposits with tidally affected groundwater. Managed exploratory drilling operations to characterize soil and groundwater conditions. Determined appropriate laboratory testing. Interpreted the field and laboratory data to develop design parameters for soil and groundwater control during excavation, temporary shoring installation, and dewatering for the construction of underground utilities. Assessed hazards associated with seismic shaking, liquefaction, tsunamis, and settlement. Provided consulting during construction.
Dam Removal, Mill Pond, Metalline Falls, Washington — In support of the removal of a structurally deficient, un-reinforced wood and concrete structure that threatened downstream communities, observed drilling of exploratory borings and coring through the concrete dam and underlying bedrock. Augered and sampled the earth dam materials. Mapped the site surface conditions, earth materials, and geology.
Flood Control Inspections, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento and Los Angeles Districts, California — Performed periodic inspections of rural flood control infrastructure, which included reviewing design and historical construction and maintenance documents, inspecting conditions in the field, and preparing inspection reports. These field inspections initiated the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s (USACE) digital inspection tablets and databases.
Subsurface Investigations, USACE, Sacramento District, California — Determined the scope of exploratory drilling and laboratory testing and wrote geotechnical reports that included analysis of slope stability, scour, under-seepage, settlement, subsidence, vegetation, channel migration hazards, fault rupture hazards, and adjacent infrastructure.
Makah Transfer Station, Neah Bay, Washington — Investigated subsurface conditions in a former quarry with rock and soft soils to develop design parameters for proposed MSE walls, pavement, and drainage associated with the proposed transfer station.
Coastal Geomorphology
Maunalua Bay Dredging and Infrastructure Improvements, Oahu, Hawaii — Advised the project coastal engineers on the site geology and likely subsurface conditions, determining the scope of exploratory drilling and laboratory testing. Developed geotechnical design parameters for sheet pilings, rock bulkheads, structural fill, and the placement of dredged material based on boring data, laboratory testing, and surface conditions. Wrote geotechnical sections of engineering reports and specifications.
Ecola Creek Estuarine Erosion Evaluation and Bank Stabilization Project, Oregon — Evaluated the geomorphology and subsurface geologic conditions relevant to the proposed mitigation of ongoing bank erosion that is threatening public and private infrastructure, and residential structures. The site is located along an estuarine river channel that is intermittently eroded by ocean waves, high tides, and river flood events. Prior erosion mitigation efforts at the site have been unsuccessful, and future stabilization efforts must comply with Oregon State Goal 18, necessitating a nature-based alternative solution for erosion mitigation that will not adversely affect sensitive habitat and beaches.
Murray Street Bridge over Woods Lagoon, Santa Cruz, California — Forensically investigated existing deep foundations and drilled geotechnical borings with undisturbed samples in soft lagoon sediments and cored underlying rock to support new retrofit foundations for this major thoroughfare through the Santa Cruz Harbor. Researched and field mapped adjacent geology and infrastructure to evaluate project impacts and geologic hazards. Interpreted mapping, boring, and laboratory test data to develop engineering properties for design of the seismic retrofit of the structure and evaluate geologic hazards from tsunamis, liquefaction, landslides, and corrosion.
Yurok Tribe Fish Processing Facility, Requa, California — For this new facility at the mouth of the Klamath River, assessed hazards including seismic shaking, liquefaction, tsunami, coastal and river flooding, soft soils, and rock fall. The subsurface exploration included coring hard rock, undisturbed samples in soft soils, heaving sands, and drilling through buried logs, which resulted in multiple foundation types and complex construction recommendations.
Uplands and Sediment Remediation
Phase I ESA and Geotechnical Study, Highway Bypass, Weaverville, California — Reviewed and analyzed documents, performed field review, and wrote Phase I ESA report for new 1.5-mile-long highway bypass through commercial, industrial, and residential areas. Geotechnical study included major cuts and fills, and multiple bridges through varying bedrock and soil types.
Phase I ESA, Kitla Center, Quileute Tribe, Forks, Washington — Reviewed and analyzed documents, performed field review, interviewed past owners and workers, and wrote Phase I ESA report for potential new development and safe operation of existing commercial use at a former sawmill site at the corner of two highways.
Mining Support
Slope Stability and Stormwater Management Analysis, Pit Mine and Reclamation, Port Angeles, Washington — Evaluated infiltration infrastructure with respect to adjacent stream bluff slopes and stream channel migration with respect to continuing mining and proposed reclamation. Reviewed and analyzed documents and mapped geology and geomorphology.
Mining Reclamation, Homestead Mine, North Bend, Washington — Monitored construction grading and drainage installation on this steep slope with seepage. Performed laboratory testing.
Litigation Support
Elmer Island Marsh Creation Project, Grand Isle, Louisiana — Reviewed marsh creation plans with respect to geologic processes and geotechnical conditions, revealing questionable feasibility of proposed marsh creation. Wrote portions of an expert report covering geology, geomorphology, geotechnical properties of dredged material, boring and CPT data interpretation, and mapping. Ongoing matter.
Wampum Point Stream Mouth and Marine Shoreline Restoration, Quilcene, Washington — Mapped geomorphology, reviewed documents, wrote an expert report, and supported attorneys during court proceedings for repair of illegal destruction of a recent county- and state-approved stream / marine shoreline restoration. Matter is settled.
Geotechnical Reviews of Forest Slope Stability in State and Private Forest Land, Washington — Analyzed logging proposals in geologic hazard areas remotely and in the field, considering geomorphology, geology, historical land use, aerial photo history, and hydrology. Wrote expert technical reports to support public comments to the state and for litigation. Matters are settled.
Education & Credentials
B.S., Geologic Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 2003
Licensed Engineering Geologist, Washington, License No. 3099
Professional Geologist, California, License No. 8822
Registered Geologist, State of Oregon, License No. G3024
Continuing Education
OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER
Nuclear Densometer Operation
Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA) Fundamentals of Professional Practice (FOPP)
Professional Affiliations
Geologic Society of America (GSA)
American Society of Environmental and Engineering Geologists (AEG)
Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance (GEER)
Engineers without Borders (EWB)