Surveyors face punishment for elevation errors

    KFDM News has learned two Southeast Texas surveyors who shot elevations of homes in West Jefferson County could  face punishment for how they carried out their work. The Texas Board of Land Surveying met in Austin Friday. 
      It's decided two Southeast Texas surveyors violated at least five board rules.  

     The surveyors filed elevation certificates for families living in the Labelle-Fannett area of West Jefferson County. After Hurricane Ike, homeowners in that area found out their elevations were off, in some cases three feet lower than they thought. As a result, many people in Country Road Estates had several feet of water inside their homes.  Some lost everything.

     A few homeowners have filed civil lawsuits against their surveyors.  They want to recoup the 25% of the lost value of their homes not covered by FEMA. 

     Monday two staff members from the board will decide the appropriate disciplinary action. That could include a fine or the maximum penalty, losing their licenses. The two surveyors have the option of telling their side of the story before the Texas Attorney General.  The board will have the final say. 

     As for any other property owners who file a complaint against a surveyor, those complaints will be investigated by the board and if it rules against the surveyers, the same range of punishment is guaranteed.