LandTech starting new survey at Neyland Stadium

LandTech is starting a new survey for the Neyland Stadium Renovation project on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus. The project includes renovations to the Southeast and Southwest Entry points to the stadium.

LandTech is the land surveying sub-consultant on the project performing topographic surveying, underground utility location, and mapping for Gresham Smith and Partners (https://www.greshamsmith.com/).

Below are some of the renderings found in the Feasibility Study of the project.

( http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/tenn/genrel/auto_pdf/2016-17/misc_non_event/Neyland-Stadium-Concept-2016.pdf )

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CAD Software update

We’ve been using Carlson’s 2016 civil engineering and land surveying software, running on IntelliCAD version 8.1,  for about two weeks. So far we’ve been pretty impressed with the improvements over previous versions.

IntelliCAD version 8.1 incorporates ribbon menus similar to AutoCAD, as well as many other new features found in AutoCAD. Likewise, Carlson Civil Suite 2016 had added enhancements to their road design, vehicle path tracking, and surface contouring.

We’re hoping to discover more new features as we continuing using the software.

 

CAD Software Upgraded

We recently upgraded our civil engineering and land surveying CAD software. At the time we upgraded from version 2014 to 2015, LandTech was given the opportunity to upgrade to version 2016 when it was released. Well, version 2016 was just released, and we’re upgrading again.

So far, we’ve seen noticeable CAD performance enhancements, and we’re hopeful that as we learn more about the software we can increase our productivity even more.

If  you’d like to learn more about our CAD process, or have questions about your project, please contact us at http://landtechco.com/home

LandTech Adds TDEC Level II Erosion Control Certifications

Two of LandTech’s personnel were recently notified of their successful completion of the Sediment Control Level II course presented by the Tennessee Water Resources Center in Knoxville during June. Jay Lewis and Mike Lewis each now hold a Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Level II Certification.

The Level II certification demonstrates a higher working knowledge of erosion prevention and sediment control practices. Additionally, a Level II certification is required for preparation of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for sites discharging into impaired or exceptional Tennessee waters, per the requirements of the State Construction General Permit. A Level II certification is also required for individuals who perform “Site Assessment Inspections for quality assurance of installation, functionality and performance of erosion and sediment control practices at construction sites discharging into Impaired or Exceptional Tennessee Waters.” http://www.tn.gov/environment/permits/conststrm.shtml

If you have any questions about your project, please contact us. http://landtechco.com/contact_us

 

 

LandTech Staff attends TDEC Erosion Control Workshop

LandTech staff (Mike and Jay) recently attended an erosion control workshop in Knoxville, conducted by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). This workshop, “Level II Design Principles for Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control for Construction Sites”, is a continuation of the Level I workshop attended in May.

 

According to the TDEC website http://tnepsc.org/page.asp?ID=5 :

 

The Level II course…..is an advanced 2-day workshop designed for engineers and other professionals who have completed the prerequisite Level I course. TDEC through the current 2011 Construction Permit (CGP), requires that the SWPPP [Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan] be prepared by individuals who have a working knowledge of erosion prevention and sediment controls, such as those who have successfully completed the Level II design principles course. Effective May 24, 2013, Site Assessment Inspections for quality assurance of installation, functionality and performance of erosion and sediment control practices at construction sites discharging into Impaired or Exceptional Tennessee Waters must be performed by individuals, who at minimum, have completed the Level II course.

 

The last remaining step for our staff to achieve a Level II certification is to complete a take-home examination. We should get our results back within a month. Crossing our fingers!!!

 

Please contact us for more information on erosion control or other project related needs at http://landtechco.com/home .

LandTech Adds TDEC Level 1 Erosion and Sediment Control Certifications

LandTech’s Knoxville staff now includes three people (Mike Lewis, Preston Smith, and Jay Lewis) with Level 1 certifications for Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control.  The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) requires a Level 1 certification for anyone responsible for inspection of construction sites under the State’s General Construction Permit (i.e., General NPDES Permit for Discharges of Stormwater Associated with Construction Activities).

The Level 1 certification is achieved by attending a 1-day workshop on the fundamentals of erosion prevention and sediment control passing an exam. According to the Tennessee Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Training Program (http://tnepsc.org/indexNew.asp) :

“The Level I Fundamentals workshop is a 1-day foundation-building course for individuals involved in land-disturbing activities and is intended for contractors, developers, inspection and enforcement personnel from all levels of government, plan preparers, reviewers, designers and engineers. The Fundamentals course aims to build a solid working knowledge of erosion and sedimentation processes and practices. Topics include: Revised (May 2011) Construction General Permit and related SWPPP requirements; function, installation, limitations, inspection and maintenance of Best Management Practices (BMPs); roles of local officials and state government agencies involved in the permitting process; and basic hydrologic and erosion processes.”

If you would like a free initial consultation about your project, or we can answer any questions for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us at http://landtechco.com/contact_us

LandTech staff attends the TAPS annual conference

Jay, Preston and I took a couple of days off from our engineering and surveying work to attend the Tennessee Association of Professional Surveyors’ (TAPS) annual conference in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. We left Knoxville early Thursday morning and arrived at the convention site that day just as everything was getting started. We checked out the latest in surveying equipment offered by TAPS sponsors, and were able to attend various seminars while we were there. Preston took the CST Level II Surveying Technician Exam, Jay attended an exam review seminar (Jay is seeking his Tennessee surveying license, in addition to the ones he already holds in Virginia, Maryland and D.C.), and I attended continuing education courses to apply to 2015 renewal. The seminars I attended included presentations on erosion and sediment control, FEMA Flood Certificate requirements, underground utility location, and railroad right-of-way surveying. Preston also attended the last three seminars. The erosion and sediment control training seminar concluded with an exam leading to Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Level I Certification. I am happy to say I passed the exam and am now Level I certified! You can learn more about TDEC Certifications at the following link:

http://tnepsc.org/indexNew.asp

About TAPS:

TAPS is the official organization for professional land surveyors in Tennessee. While you don’t need to be a TAPS member to be a licensed land surveyor in Tennessee, you need to be a licensed land surveyor in Tennessee to be a member of TAPS. Anyone who hires a land surveyor should ask if he or she is a member of TAPS. I have been a member of TAPS for many years, and I have found that TAPS members represent the most diligent, dedicated people you can find. TAPS members can be said to be the surveyors who truly love their work. To learn more, please visit the TAPS website:

http://www.taps-inc.com/

 

Software upgrades…done!

We are now fully up and running with the latest version of Carlson’s land development design software, Carlson 2014 Civil Suite, on all LandTech company computers. We have been using Carlson’s Survey module since 2009, and with the addition of civil engineering to LandTech’s service offerings, we added Carlson’s engineering-related modules. We have been very happy so far with Carlson’s product, pricing and very responsive technical support. If you are curious about Carlson’s products and capabilities, you can learn more here:

http://www.carlsonsw.com/