By making your concerns known to the contractor you have thrust yourself into the situation. You went beyond what was required of the contract, voluntarily, and are now liable for more than what was mentioned in the contract and to more people than the contractor. I would make traceable, verifiable contact with all affected parties at this point. But, you better have reasonable evidence for the concerns. If not, you have already gone too far.
Run, Don't walk, away from this project! I would not step into this "lawsuit waiting to happen". flood issues are one of most potentially litigious services we provide to our clients. If there is an elevation error or a failure to follow-up on a known problem and the project gets built, people may die. I can't think of a better example of protecting, or in your case, not protecting the public. That is our biggest responsibility as surveyors. I would try to determine what freeboard is required by your local zoning administrator or building inspector, and, if this building as staked is not in compliance, then make everyone involved aware (IN WRITING!) If the owner is still insisting that it be laid out incorrectly then don't touch it.
I agree. Call first, email(if possible) all parties, follow up with a letter.
Thanks, all for the input.
I am letting the client know that Louisiana State Law set up the engineering/surveying registration laws to protect the public from danger to life and property, and that I see this as a threat to property and need to notify the engineer who designed the project to alert him. It would seem that an email trail with that in it would make it hard for them to tell me not to do it.
I had documented it in email the full way, but they are ignoring it. Maybe this will stop it. In addition this weekend, on my own time I am going to run in a benchmark from a NAVD88 control. I already know the recommended freeboard is 1 foot in our parish, although it is only a recommendation. I will explain to them that a duck landing in the water when it is a flood plain level will cause a wave that will flood the floor.
