Erik J. Olsen, P.E.
Consultant / Principal Emeritus
M.E., 1972 Coastal & Oceanographic Engineering; Univ. of Florida
B.S., 1970 Civil Engineering; Univ. of Florida
Mr. Olsen received his academic training from the University of Florida. As the Principal Engineer for Olsen Associates, Inc., Mr. Olsen performs engineering, permitting and project management functions related to hydraulics, coastal processes, environmental impact assessment, shore stabilization, water and energy resources, and coastal management.
Mr. Olsen's general experience includes the design and implementation of numerous coastal protective structures, beach erosion control investigations, tidal inlet stability analyses, flood insurance studies, hydrographic studies, marina design, navigation projects, and impact assessment of coastal development. His experience has included diverse and challenging projects: including numerous marina and resort amenity designs throughout the southeastern United States, the Caribbean and Mexico; review of analytical methodologies employed for coastal zone regulation; dredge and fill projects; and unique work such as that related to a floating nuclear power plant and preliminary design criteria for an ocean airport in the Virgin Islands. He is particularly active in the evaluation and solution of large scale beach erosion problems, beach restoration, the assessment of effects of inlets or navigation projects on beaches, and the permitting of multi-faceted coastal projects.
Mr. Olsen has acted as special consultant to both Erosion and Inlet Districts, counties, municipalities, States and governmental agencies. He routinely acts as an expert witness on coastal engineering topics for both the private and public sector. Similarly, Mr. Olsen frequently makes educational presentations regarding Coastal Construction Regulation and other related matters to the Florida Bar, the State Chamber of Commerce Environmental Seminar, Engineering and Architect Professional Societies, Public Bodies, homeowner groups, etc.
Mr. Olsen has directed numerous General Design Memorandums, Detailed Project Reports and special studies for various Districts of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He has likewise participated in the formulation of three favorable Section 1-11 studies involving federal navigation project mitigation of adjacent shoreline damage.
Mr. Olsen has authored papers concerning the implementation of coastal construction regulation, beach nourishment design, and the effects of inlet stabilization on littoral processes. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Florida Engineering Society, the National Society of Professional Engineers, and is a registered professional engineer in the States of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Alabama. Mr. Olsen is likewise certified as a Diplomate in Coastal Engineering and Navigation Engineering by the Academy of Coastal, Ocean, Port and Navigation Engineers. He is a former Director of the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association and the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association. Mr. Olsen has acted as a contributing professional to several State of Florida Blue Ribbon committees including those on Comprehensive Beach Management and Inlet Management.