Opinion ID: 1362228
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Trestle and Conveyor System

Text: Lastly, we consider appellant's claim that the conveyor system on the rock fill did not constitute a substantial improvement and that the trestle did not qualify appellee as an occupant of the rock fill. The testimony shows that the trestle and conveyor system was expanded as necessary over the years to meet the disposal requirements of appellee's mine. It was intended and constructed for the sole purpose of conveying disposal across the already created fill to the channel for dumping into the channel or into a barge for removal to deeper water for dumping. Although the major use for the conveyor, trestle and flumes ceased when the mining ceased in 1944, there was testimony that the trestle and conveyor had been used in approximately 1956 to transport scrap iron to the barge ramp for lightering to an ocean-going vessel. Both facilities were in a state of disrepair as of 1957, but could have been put in use with small repairs. There was testimony that the mine was being maintained in a reasonable state of readiness so that it could have been reopened if the price of gold had been increased sufficiently. It was conceded that the facilities were substantial permanent improvements at one time, but disputed that they could be considered such as of September 7, 1957. We believe that under these facts what were concededly substantial permanent improvements when constructed, remained such and that it was proper to consider them in appellee's favor as of September 7, 1957. The trestle could properly be considered in appellee's favor in determining whether it was an occupant of the rock fill. We agree with the Director that appellee was not required to show that every square foot of the rock fill was occupied in order to show that the particular area being considered was being put to a beneficial use. We also agree with his finding, which was affirmed by the Commissioner of Natural Resources and the Superior Court, that the rock fill proper in this case was a substantial permanent improvement that had been beneficially used. The judgment is affirmed.