Opinion ID: 1677102
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: sewer easement

Text: Although not specifically identified as a separate issue by the parties, we address an additional matter of concern in this case. It appears that the sewer septic tank and drainfield for John's house runs beyond the 2.27 acres, onto the 16.89 acres owned by Lawrence. Lawrence acknowledged at trial that he did not assert the right to interfere with the septic tank, but the trial court made no findings and granted no relief regarding the septic tank. An action to quiet title, although statutory, is essentially an equitable action. E.g., Ward v. Shipp, 340 N.W.2d 14, 18 (N.D.1983); Trauger v. Helm Bros., Inc., 279 N.W.2d 406, 412 (N.D.1979). An equitable result in this case requires that John be granted a reasonable easement for the septic tank and drainfield for his home to the extent they lie outside of the 2.27 acres. We therefore instruct the trial court to modify the judgment to provide for such an easement. We remand for modification of the judgment as to the sewer easement. In all other respects, the judgment is affirmed. ERICKSTAD, C.J., and LEVINE, VANDE WALLE and GIERKE, JJ., concur.