September is National Preparedness Month. Being prepared is important for upper management and is just as important for company employees.  Upper management should always be well prepared in order to set a precedent for others in the company.  If management is not prepared, then it will create confusion and lead to less preparedness in employees.

What is “Being Prepared”?

Being prepared is not only about being ready but also about having all the knowledge that is necessary to complete any given task. Being prepared is the step that comes after being ready. Being prepared also requires having contingency plans put in place.  While one may be ready for “scenario A,” “scenario A” could not work out as expected, or something could go wrong, so it is always important to have a plan B, C, etc.

Are employees and upper management prepared in the way that they should be in your company?  One must ask themselves questions such as these (and the questions will vary from task-to-task):

• What are my responsibilities?
• If I have any team members, who are they?
• What do I need to review?
• Have I set the proper reminders for myself?
• Do I have the knowledge that I need to proceed?
• Do I have contingency plans put in place?

Again, these are just a few of the questions that one must ask themselves when determining how well prepared they are, and it will vary depending on the task at hand.  With the help of upper management, and the example that is set by the company, employees will have a better chance at thriving when it comes to being very well prepared, which will in turn create more success for the company as a whole.

The goals of civil site planning and design are to make efficient use of available space for a project, including buildings, parking, traffic flow, utilities, and open spaces, in an esthetically pleasing way.

Triad Engineering offers a full set of civil site planning and design services to completely develop a site from concept to final completion. Our civil team includes experienced civil engineer

s and landscape architects who have provided quality projects in a variety of markets including land planning, site development, education, healthcare facilities, water/wastewater/stormwater, landfills, reservoirs, parks and recreation, and many others. Having both engineering and landscape architects working together leads to more efficient discussions about how to best implement the desired features of a site into a better project; combining their expertise and skills to enhance the site’s design.

Changing circumstances have caused civil engineers and landscape architects to find new solutions to complicated problems like stormwater mitigation, resource management, climate change and community growth. Our civil teams can help to minimize the effects of these challenges on the environment by creating projects that connect with their communities. They can focus on more energy efficient designs that utilize water efficiency, best construction practices,   and sustainable materials.

Triad’s civil engineers use stormwater management principles in their stormwater designs. Our landscape architects find solutions to slow down water flow so that it can infiltrate properly and manage rain events on site. The civil teams also can develop temporary and long-term detention of stormwater where necessary.

If you need help with your site design projects, call Triad Engineering. Our civil team is ready to help. TRIAD Listens, Designs, & Delivers.

Last month we celebrated Triad Safety Day across all our offices, but safety ALWAYS works at Triad!

In any industry, the well-being of employees should always be a top priority for any organization. When it comes to working in fields that involve being outdoors and operating heavy machinery and equipment, such as construction, the need for a robust safety culture becomes even more critical. In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of safety within our company, emphasizing the measures we undertake to protect our employees from potential hazards and why safety is always our top priority.

1. Promoting a Safety-First Culture: At Triad, safety isn’t just a set of rules and regulations; it is ingrained in our organizational DNA. We believe in fostering a safety-first culture where every employee understands and embraces the significance of their own well-being, as well as that of their colleagues. By cultivating a culture that prioritizes safety, we create an environment where employees feel empowered to voice their concerns, report potential hazards, and actively participate in safety training programs.
2. Identifying and Mitigating Hazards: Working outdoors and around heavy machinery exposes employees to a range of potential hazards. From falling objects and uneven terrain to noise pollution and exposure to harmful substances, there are numerous risks that must be identified and mitigated. We conduct regular hazard assessments to identify potential threats and implement measures to eliminate or minimize their impact. This includes providing employees with personal protective equipment (PPE), conducting regular equipment maintenance and inspections, and implementing comprehensive safety protocols.
3. Training and Education: Proper training and education are paramount in maintaining a safe work environment. Our employees undergo rigorous safety training programs to ensure they are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate potential hazards effectively. We provide comprehensive onboarding training for new employees and conduct regular refresher courses to reinforce safety protocols and best practices. By investing in continuous education, we empower our employees to make informed decisions and take necessary precautions to keep themselves and their colleagues safe.
4. Open Communication and Reporting Systems: Effective communication plays a vital role in fostering a safe work environment. We encourage open lines of communication between management, supervisors, and employees, enabling the exchange of safety-related information, concerns, and suggestions. We maintain a robust reporting system that allows employees to report any safety incidents, near-misses, or potential hazards promptly. By addressing these issues proactively, we not only prevent accidents but also create a culture of trust and transparency within the organization.

In a work environment where employees are exposed to potential risks safety must always be a top priority. By fostering a safety-first culture, identifying and mitigating hazards, providing comprehensive training, maintaining open communication channels, and continuously improving our safety initiatives, we prioritize the well-being of our employees. Investing in safety not only protects our most valuable asset—our employees—but also enhances productivity, employee morale, and the overall reputation of our company. At Triad, we firmly believe that there is no compromise when it comes to safety, and we remain committed to maintaining a work environment that is secure, supportive, and conducive to the success and well-being of our employees.

One of Triad’s core values is service.  When we speak about it in the business sense, we refer to “prompt service, open communication, and high-quality work as our goal for every project”.  When we think about it beyond business, service takes on a meaning of community engagement and volunteerism.  This idea is nothing new to Triad, and in fact, we make an effort to connect to the communities where we work, live, and play.  Our actions, our ideas, and our involvement foster a connection that transcends the next big project or top client.  Our activities enable a human connection, the creation of better communities, and a genuine sense of purpose.

Research shows volunteering and community engagement provides the following benefits:

• Provides a natural sense of accomplishment
• Builds your network
• Boosts self-confidence and self-esteem
• Presents a sense of community and belonging
• Teaches you valuable skills
• Brings diversity into your life
• Gets you out of your comfort zone

What good are you putting into the world?

What is an ALTA Survey?

An “ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey” (or simply, “an ALTA survey”) is a term that is commonly used in the realms of civil engineering and real estate. The term refers to a specialized type of survey of real property, with specifications that have been defined jointly by the American Land Title Association and the National Society of Professional Surveyors. ALTA surveys are performed mostly for commercial properties where title insurance is required. This type of survey typically addresses detailed information regarding property boundaries, easements and encumbrances, encroachments or evidence of use by other parties, rights-of-way and access, onsite cemeteries, existing structures, and the record description of the property, as well as optional items that may be specified by the client, such as zoning classifications, flood zone classifications, or topographic relief.

Because an ALTA survey involves elements that are not usually addressed by a standard boundary survey, a title commitment document or title report is required to complete the work. Land surveyors work closely with title companies to ensure that all information is accurate and provides a comprehensive view of the property in question.

An ALTA survey combines data from property records with onsite surveying measurements to fulfill the needs of title companies or insurers. While an ALTA survey isn’t required for every property acquisition, it can represent one of the most exhaustive types of surveys that are available to a client. Due to the additional effort required to complete all the components of an ALTA survey, the cost is generally higher than for a standard boundary survey. The following list highlights some of the steps involved in this type of survey work:

• Land records related to the subject property are carefully researched, typically by the client’s attorney or title agent.
• The attorney or title agent prepares a title commitment or title report that lists all encumbrances or appurtenances of record that appear to affect the subject property. This title commitment or report is then provided to the land surveyor along with copies of all the record documents.
• The survey field personnel collect data at the subject property regarding boundaries and other relevant features.
• The surveyor analyzes the field data in conjunction with a careful review of the information provided in the title commitment or report and associated documents.
• The surveyor prepares a plat or map of the survey that addresses the various potential title items that were identified by the title commitment or report.
• A draft of the plat is provided for review and comment to the client, the title company, and any other interested parties.
• Upon acceptance of the plat by the interested parties, the surveyor signs and seals the plat, providing certification that it is accurate to the best of the surveyor’s knowledge.

Although an ALTA survey is not necessary for every transaction involving real estate, there are situations that call for additional effort and expense. This type of survey is often recommended under the following circumstances:

• Buying or selling Commercial Real Estate – When a parcel of commercial property is mortgaged or transferred, title insurance companies and/or lenders often require an ALTA survey to be completed. This is because commercial purchases frequently come with “survey risks,” such as boundary line disputes, encroachments, or other conditions that may not be discernible from the public records.
• Buying a piece of Vacant Land – An ALTA survey may be advisable to determine whether there are boundary, ownership, or encroachment issues that may not be otherwise apparent at the time of purchase, but which could become a nasty surprise at a later date.
• Resolving a Property Dispute – In instances such as right-of-access or boundary line disputes between adjoining landowners, an ALTA survey can ascertain critical facts that will equip litigation professionals with the material information needed to best advise their clients.

Triad Engineering has performed many ALTA surveys for commercial and industrial clients. If you would like more information regarding ALTA surveys, or if you would like to discuss whether an ALTA survey might be appropriate for your project, please contact our office in Morgantown, West Virginia, at 304-296-2562.

Sources: Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys (Effective February 23, 2021). https://www.nsps.us.com/page/2021ALTA

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