Biscayne Engineering Company, Inc.

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CITY OF SUNNY ISLES BEACH CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES (CCNA) RFQ No. 20-07-01 General Surveying As the surveying profession continues to develop new techniques that make data acquisition faster and more accurate, our dynamic team of professionals continues to grow by obtaining training in such techniques. From preparation of legal descriptions and ownership/parcel mapping, appraisal surveys, court testimony to HD Laser Scanning, point cloud processing and data extraction, our seasoned group of professionals has done it all. The City can feel confident that if they select BE, they will be selecting a team that has the experience, dedication, and technical knowledge to deliver the highest quality products on time and under budget. Water Boundaries Surveying in South Florida requires a knowledge of laws and rules which affect property rights in the vicinity of water boundaries. For coastal areas, there are three (3) primary lines that a surveyor must be knowledgeable on: (1) the Mean High Water (MHW) Line; (2) the Erosion Control Line (ECL); and (3) the Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL). Mean High Water (MHW) Line Surveys In Florida, the Mean High-Water line generally defines the boundary between the State of Florida and an upland owner in areas of tidally influenced sovereignty submerged lands (water bodies that were navigable at time of statehood). Understanding the legal significance (as defined in Chapter 177.28, Florida Statutes) of the Mean High-Water Line (and being able to properly establish its location and work with FDEP) is critical when working in a municipality such as Sunny Isles. Mean High Water Surveys/Studies are an important component of Boundary Surveys (and other types of surveys) when bordering sovereignty submerged lands. Despite its legal significance, performing Mean High-Water Surveys and Studies is an area of surveying that many surveyors neglect. BE, located just steps from such a water body, understands the importance of this work and has staff trained in the principles for establishing the Mean High Water elevation, using the various methods approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. This knowledge has been passed through the company and several professionals as well as subordinates are competent in the principles and practices of Mean High-Water Surveying. If MHW data is available near our site, BE will seek to extend/interpolate the datum to our site. If approved, preparing the MHW Survey from this point is a fairly straight forward process. Typically, we will run a closed bench level circuit between at least (2) approved NAVD-88 benchmarks (or suitable alternative) and the project location. We will then contour the shoreline and develop a contour line at the MHW elevation. Typically, tidal benchmarks will be set, and a survey tie line will be established. The drawing will be prepared in accordance with FDEP’s standards. If MHW data is not available near the site, it will typically be necessary for us to perform a short term MHW Study. The preferred method is the Range Ratio Method, but there are instances where field conditions will not permit this (if the low water reading cannot be made on the tide staff, for example). In such a case, the Amplitude Ratio Method may be required. All data will be collected using FDEP’s standard forms, and all calculations will be performed by a licensed PSM and will be QC’d by a licensed PSM prior to submitting to FDEP for approval. Once approved, Biscayne Engineering will obtain the FDEP file number and display on our deliverable to the City. 15