I am writing some 3D descriptions for a sewer outfall tunnel. On one of the parcels the upper and lower limits of the easement are sloped from one end of the parcel to the other. The designers gave us the top elev and bottom elev to use in our descriptions at each end of the property and the tunnel will have a constant slope between the two ends. I have a clause I have come up with and I'm looking for some input or constructive criticism on my proposed language for this.
This language is being inserted after the horizontal description of the right of way strip, so it is referring to some previous language used.
The above described parcel is located between two constantly sloping planes, the upper limiting plane having elevations of -29.6 feet at said TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING and -35.0 feet at said terminus, and the lower limiting plane having elevations of -59.6 feet at said TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING and -65.0 at said terminus, based on the North American Vertical Datum of 1988, established at Benchmark No. Y 8416 having an elevation of 37.781 feet according to Los Angeles Department of Public Works, Palos Verdes Quad, 2005 Adjustment.
Thoughts? Ideas?
Thanks,
Ryan.
Hey, Ryan.
I would suggest listing the % of slope and also further identify the beginning and ending points with the stationing as per the plans. You could make a reference to the plans you are using and that would identify it for anyone in the future.
By adding these items you could prepare the description of the whole outfall tunnel in one description and would not have to write each slope separately.
The phrase "constantly sloping planes" sounds funny to me. Maybe use "planes of constant slope"? "Constantly sloping" makes me think "ever changing", as in the slope on the outside of a Ferris wheel, or on a Hot Wheels track.
Listing the datum and derivation is a very good practice. I agree the language regarding slopes is a bit klunky..
The only other thing I would consider is your use of 'said'. The term is short for 'the aforesaid' and is WAY overused in our profession. If you replace instances of it with 'the previously mentioned...' in your head as you read your description my point should become apparent. I realize descriptions are extremely personal documents for Surveyors. Just a few thoughts...
Rather than introducing unusual terms not in common use consider this:
commencing at XXX being at elevation XXX as measured from (monument & datum)
thence in a straight line along the centerline of a strip of land being XXX feet in width and XXX feet in height above the following described line, (bearing) for a Horizontal distance of XXX to Elevation XXX,
thence continuing in a straight line along the centerline of said strip of land...
I have several old documents using that format but I am too lazy to search my files. That format was easy to follow and duplicate.
Some also used elevations on the route using the terms "lower limits" and "upper limits" to define variable height fee/easement strips.
enjoy!
