On a recent project I have come across the following language in the specs regarding video inspection which I believe is ambiguous and I would appreciate this community's feedback:
Specification:
"In addition to above testing, provide video inspection by an approved television video inspection service at no cost to Owner. Videotapes shall be indexed by run between manholes, laterals, and/or catch basins including digital recording of each one-foot of stationing. Depth of ponding shall be determined by attaching a one-inch gauge in front of the camera during inspection."
Contractor is claiming that by qualifying the second sentence with "digital recording of each one-foot of stationing" and not specifically stating that all new work must be videoed, only the mainline needs to be videoed:
- Laterals/culverts to catch basins are not shown by one-foot of stationing but rather feet L/R of centerline, thus negating the second sentence.
- Due to the diameter of the laterals and the traps, only a push cam willl be able to make the it down, thus negating the use of a one-inch gauge to measure ponding.
- Laterals are SDR 17 HDPE without any joints.
- Laterals have already passed all pressure tests.
- Due to traps, push cam may not even get through without the risk of damaging clay trap.
Owner is claiming that "run between manholes, laterals, and/or catch basins" takes precedence (regardless of the other language in the paragraph) and therefore video of laterals and culverts to catchbasins are required by contract.
I understand the Owner's request for video of laterals, it is just more guarantee on workmanship. However, as the CM on the project, I will need to make a determination on whether the video is contract work and discuss with the Owner. There are over 80 catch basin laterals alone which means more than a week of work so contractor is unlikely to let this go. I am leaning toward change order as any ambiguity in the specifications are usually considered owner's responsibility.
Any feedback is appreciated!
