I don't like it, but is it illegal? 6

[gtsurfbum]

Hello all,

I am a civil engineer with about 4 years of experience in road and civil/site design. I began work with a firm about 10 months ago, and there have been several times when things came up that bothered me. I won't go into great detail, but I can describe what has been going on here lately that I don't agree with.

Our client is an oil and gas company who wishes to widen a road and bridge, to make way for a drill rig. The client (from what my boss says) has been open about the fact that they have not been in contact with the land owners. Their approach is to build it, and then work out an agreement later with the land owners. I am fairly certain that the bridge is on private land. Also, apparently they do their own construction (but not their own design?).

Since working on the project, my designs have been what I consider BMP. These designs are basic, mostly extending the road surfaces to the edge of ROW. And then showing on plans how the vehicle could make it across by making a 3pt turn. My goal was to avoid the environmental issues that arise from doing construction in the creek.

The client is convinced that they are allowed to place box culverts in creeks (and then drive over them, regardless of weight limits) because they have done so in the past. Also, my boss (who is not a PE, but parters with a PE from another firm) agrees with anything the client suggests.

Now, from what I understand, any design is just intellectual property. And doing so is perfectly legal. However, I don't agree with the project or the client's suggestions for design. I get along great with my boss, I just don't agree with the way he handles business, and there isn't really any expertise available that I can rely on for design issues.

We are a small firm so if you're wondering about the organizational structure ...it goes --- Client - Boss - Me

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,
gtsurfbum

 

[urgross]

It had "West Virginia" but didn't have "by Gawd"?

I'm surprised the Corps of Engineers hasn't already been asking where the 404 permit application is. That would add about 2 years to the schedule.

 

[bridgebuster]

My first thought also was COE permit. If there's no wetlands mitigation or endangered species it should be a quick process under the NWP. In any case, if your client starts building without one they could be in BIG trouble with the Corps.

Ask your client what type of vehicles they intend to drive over the culvert and design accordingly. I've done some infrastructure projects recently for a gas developer and they're very clear about what they need. The person who signs and seals your drawings is ultimately responsible but remember $#!+ flows down hill - and there are a lot of hills in WVA.

As far as the driller building first and getting the owners approval later, that's his problem. I worked in WVA folks are friendly and help you out.

One other thing - when you post drawings delete information that could give away your anonymity. Nothing wrong with discussing things but things can get taken out of context.

 

[bridgebuster]

gtsurfbum - I used to go to a restaurant in Westover called "Rosa's", do you know if it's still there? On my first there in the mid '90's I would've sworn my mother was working in the kitchen. The manicotti was fantastic.

 

[gtsurfbum]

Yeah, I agree with what your saying. I think most of the time attachments should be kept as confidential as possible. Reason I started the thread was to document what was going on. In the event our firm was guilty of something, I didn't want to just go down with the ship.

I am happy to say that our firm and our clients have been much more careful about these types of issues. There has been alot more concern for the landowners' rights and these types of decisions have been left up to the client.

Bridgebuster,

Yeah, I agree the folks here in WV are friendly and really willing to help out. I don't think I've heard of Rosa's. I hardly ever drive through Westover so I'm not sure if it's still there or not. Also, I'm not sure I've ever had manicotti, but it sounds good

 

[bridgebuster]

gt - thanks for the reply.