Opinion ID: 2498928
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Meaning of Paragraph 8(q)

Text: [¶ 30] Paragraph 8(q) of the Agreement required Rockies Express to provide Berthel with an as-built survey of the pipeline, as follows: Grantee shall provide Grantor with an as-built survey of the pipeline as it pertains to the lands described on Exhibit A. In the event said as-built survey determines that the total distance of the pipeline as measured along the ground surface is greater than the distance depicted in Exhibit A, Grantee shall compensate Grantor for each additional foot at the same price per foot paid as calculated in this Easement. If the distance is less, no adjustment shall be made. Berthel contends that the purpose of Paragraph 8(q) was two-fold: 1) to calculate the precise linear feet of ground disturbed by the pipeline, so Berthel was compensated for the full length of the pipeline; and 2) to address safety concerns. Rockies Express contends that the requirement served one purpose only and that was to establish the total distance of the pipeline, as built, to ensure Berthel was compensated for the full length of the pipeline. [¶ 31] Neither party provided, in support of their cross motions for summary judgment, expert evidence on the definition of an as-built survey, that is, evidence of the term's usage in the construction industry or more particularly in these types of easement agreements. Nonetheless, we find the Agreement to be unambiguous. Paragraph 8(q) requires that Rockies Express provide Berthel an as-built survey, and it specifies that the survey must show the total distance of the pipeline as measured along the ground surface. The provision then requires that Berthel be paid additional compensation per foot if the distance covered by the pipeline, as measured along the ground, is greater than calculated distance for which Berthel was originally compensated. [¶ 32] Paragraph 8(q) does not mention the depth of the pipeline, impose any requirement that depth data be provided, or cite safety purposes to be served by the as-built survey. This omission is consistent with the Agreement as a whole. There was no need for Rockies Express to provide depth information in the as-built survey because the Agreement, in Paragraph 8(a), separately requires that the pipeline be installed to a depth sufficient to provide for a minimum of thirty-six inches (36) of cover. Additionally, the Agreement bars any activity by Berthel on the easement that could present a safety concern, without first providing notice to Rockies Express. Specifically, Paragraph 3 of the Agreement provides in part: Grantor shall not build, construct, or permit to be built or constructed, any structure or obstruction, or impound water or any substance, or change the grade on or over the [E]asement, except that with prior notice to Grantee, Grantor shall be permitted to construct fences, roads, above-ground water lines and distribution systems, power transmission lines, communication lines and wind generation facilities across the Easement. [¶ 33] The Agreement's unambiguous language required Rockies Express to provide an as-built survey showing the distance of the pipeline as measured along the ground surface. It did not require that Rockies Express provide depth data, and any safety concerns related to such data are addressed by other provisions in the Agreement. [¶ 34] The question we must next answer then is whether the record supports the district court's summary judgment ruling on the as-built violation; that is, whether the undisputed evidence showed that Rockies Express failed to provide Berthel with an as-built survey showing the required measurement along the ground surface.