Procedures for Changes to Design Manual, Construction Details and
Technical Specifications
1. Design Manual
Addendums to the Design Manual fall into two categories, major or minor
changes. Major changes include new or different design standards, changes
in engineering calculations, regulatory or code changes and procedural
changes. Minor changes or updates include such items as adding new
approved materials, specialty products used in construction, changes in
inspection requirements and changes to Appendix items. All changes will be
incorporated into both paper copies and the electronic copies.
A. When a major change to the Design Manual is necessary the following
process shall be implemented. The Chief Engineer or his representative
shall define the change. A review committee will be initiated that includes
representatives from the community, County agencies if appropriate and
other share holders. The committee will meet and develop the addendum.
When ready for public review, a Public Hearing shall be held and
comments received. The committee will review the comments and if
necessary make changes to the proposed update. The proposed
Addendum will then be presented to the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan
Commission Board for approval. With the MetCom board approval, the
Chief Engineer will then issue a dated serial numbered Amendment to all
registered Specification holders. It will also be incorporated into the list of
existing Addendums.
B. For Addendums that fall under minor changes the Chief Engineer will
evaluate them internally. The internal committee may consist of Metcom
staff and contracted engineers. Before presentation to the MetCom Board
the Chief Engineer will get the approval of the Director. After the Board
approval the Addendum will be issued to all registered Design Manual
holders and added to the list of existing Addendums.
2. Standard Construction Details
A. Update or changes to the Construction details may include dimensional
changes, acceptable materials changes, manufacturer changes or
changes to the construction method used. Changes which are initiated by
a change in the Design Manual shall be included with the Design Manual
Addendum.
B. Changes to the Construction Details will be considered to fall under minor
changes. The updates will follow the same process as Design Manual
minor addendums as indicated in paragraph 1.B. above. The approved
detail update will have a revision date, and signature of the Chief
Engineer. The respective Table of Contents will be reissued with the
revision date next to the specific changed detail.
3. Technical Specifications
A. Update or changes to the Technical Specifications may include changes
to the referenced code or standard. It is the intent of the Technical
Specifications to be based on ISO industry standards. If those standards
change or are revised these changes shall be incorporated by reference
and be changed with out action by the Chief Engineer. Changes which
are initiated by a change in the Design Manual shall be included with the
Design Manual Addendum.
B. Individual changes to the Technical Specifications will be considered to fall
under minor changes. The updates will follow the same process as
Design Manual minor addendums as indicated in paragraph 1.B. above.
The approved specification update will list the latest revision date on the
specification. The respective Table of Contents will be reissued with the
revision date next to the specific changed specification. Serial numbered
letters enclosing the change will be issued to all registered holders.
Electronic copies will be duly updated with all changes.
4. Appendix
All items in the Appendix are included for informational purposes only and are
considered independent of these standards. Revisions to some items may
require public input and that process will be performed independently of these
specifications. Additions or deletions to the Appendix will occur as needed
with notice to registered holders of the Specifications. Changes to them will
be registered by date and notice posted to the MetCom website.