Terms, Limitations and Release of Liability

Terms, conditions, and limitations are subject to change without notice. Please review the most up-to-date information posted here and available upon request via email at office@sitrepservices.com.

General Terms

SitRep Services interprets and reports data as indicated by our equipment regarding what is in the ground or under the surface being evaluated. Environmental and other site or soil conditions (such as moisture, debris, power status, and interference from nearby objects) may affect the accuracy and/or availability of our services. Depth and accuracy of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) are also influenced by the size and composition of the items being located. For example, generally a target three feet deep generally needs to be at least three inches in diameter for accurate location.

Client Responsibilities

Clients are responsible for ensuring that the site is safe, clear, and secure both prior to and after the locating service. The client assumes responsibility for all decisions regarding cutting, digging, coring, excavation, or any other disruptive methods. No comments, markings, or locates—whether written or verbal—made by SitRep Services team members shall constitute advice or recommendations for any client actions. Mechanical excavation must be avoided within two feet (in any direction) of any marked utility until the location and depth have been visually verified (spotted and confirmed) by the client. SitRep Services makes no warranty nor verbal or written recommendations as to customer course of action.

Obstacles and Accessibility

Obstacles on the site—whether installed structures (such as fences or walls), piles of material or earth, vehicles and equipment or freshly graded/disrupted terrain—can significantly impact the accessibility and accuracy of the data our equipment provides. Our equipment is generally unable to scan within a couple of feet of obstacles, and any areas blocked by such obstructions are not guaranteed to be accurately located. If any obstacles or material are moved or removed after a locate has been completed, those areas must be located again to ensure that no utilities or subsurface obstacles were missed during the initial scan due to these obstacles. The client takes full responsibility for any areas where our equipment was unable to scan, and SitRep Services cannot be held liable for missed utilities in or near those obstructed zones.

Liability for Utility Strikes and Repair Costs

While every effort is made to accurately mark utilities, there are inherent limitations in utility locating technology and environmental factors that can impact accuracy. 

In the event that a utility strike occurs, it is the client’s responsibility to immediately notify SitRep Services, provide both wide angle and close-up photographs of the area and allow for a thorough investigation before proceeding with repairs. If repairs are undertaken without providing SitRep the opportunity to participate in the assessment, obtain quotes, or discuss repair options, SitRep Services cannot assume financial responsibility for the costs incurred. Unauthorized or independent repair expenses, particularly those lacking competitive bidding or cost analysis, are not eligible for reimbursement or compensation. SitRep may on a case-by-case basis at the sole discretion of its management consider compensation such as waiving original locate fees or account credit.

Communication and Reporting

SitRep project managers will document any specific concerns or limitations encountered during the locate process on the summary report. Such concerns might also be communicated in person or by text or phone to the site or job contact on file. Inquiries regarding the quality or accuracy of our services should be directed to the project manager or the SitRep Services office. Deliverables typically include surface markings (paint and/or flags), a site walkthrough (if client contact is present), a written summary of findings, and photographs of markings for documentation. Mapping of the findings may be available upon request (request must be made prior to the job being completed). Summary reports are typically provided via email within 1 business day of the completed locate. If a report or map is needed before the following day, clients should notify the SitRep office or project manager as soon as possible and we will make every effort to accommodate an expedited report.

Billing and Payment Terms

Time on site, hourly and daily rates are calculated per crew (single technician or project manager). Multiple crews may be assigned to jobs, with billing proportional to the number of crews on site. A minimum service call charge applies, and cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled service will incur the minimum charge. Service calls under $650 must be paid at the time of service, while calls over $650 may be invoiced with payment due within 30 days. Late fees of 1.5% per month will apply to overdue balances.

Mapping and Data Deliverables

Mapping and overlays are available in .KMZ and .PDF formats for an additional fee unless explicitly included in the quote. The SitRep team uses sub-meter GPS antenna technology to capture utility locations and create digital maps. These maps are not survey-grade and should be treated as approximate representations. Mapped data may require up to 24 hours to process and is usually sent with the summary report / invoice via email.

Safety and Quality Assurance

Safety and client satisfaction are our primary goals. SitRep Services is committed to delivering the best possible service while recognizing the inherent limitations of locating technology. Clients are notified of any challenges or potential accuracy issues during the locate process. Revisits or additional services must be specifically communicated and requested.

Equipment Information

Our state-of-the-art equipment includes GSSI UtilityScan for deep ground locating, GSSI StructureScan Mini XT for concrete scanning, Radiodetection RD8100/RD8200 PDXL for electromagnetic locating, and Geode GPS Locator for precise GPS mapping. Each piece of equipment has unique limitations and performance parameters, and results may vary based on environmental and site conditions.

Acceptance of Terms

By authorizing SitRep Services to conduct utility locating, the client acknowledges understanding and acceptance of the terms, limitations, and potential inaccuracies outlined herein. SitRep Services, LLC, its employees, owners, contractors, and affiliates are unconditionally released from any liability for damages or losses arising from locating activities, including but not limited to missed or inaccurately marked utilities.

Contact Information

For questions, service inquiries, or claims, please contact SitRep Services at office@sitrepservices.com or call 803-792-1106.