Opinion ID: 1097901
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: theory of trespass

Text: The trial court in addressing plaintiffs' count of trespass discussed at length the basis of recovery for damages under a claim by an upper riparian landowner and also under a claim by a lower riparian owner. We agree with this discussion and in our view summary judgment was properly granted on this count. It was undisputed that the outflow of Mitchell Dam was in excess of the rate of flow into Mitchell Reservoir from Lay Dam. The ultimate effect was that Mitchell Dam was mitigating the effects of the discharge from Lay Dam rather than aggravating the same. In order for an upper riparian owner to recover damages for trespass, he must establish that not only did the dam back waters upon the plaintiffs' land, but moreover, that under the general definition of trespass such an action was unlawful or wrongful. Cox v. Stuart, 229 Ala. 409, 157 So. 460 (1934); Aiken v. McMillan, 213 Ala. 494, 106 So. 150 (1925); Black's Law Dictionary, p. 1347 (Rev. 5th ed. 1979). Plaintiffs have failed to produce such evidence. APCo contends, and we agree, that plaintiffs in this case more accurately fall into the category of lower riparian owners. The law in Alabama is clear than an action which asserts liability for damages for the release of water will not lie in the absence of negligence. This Court has consistently held that one who owns or operates a dam owes a duty to lower riparian owners only to exercise reasonable care in operating or maintaining the dam. Montgomery Light & Water Power Co. v. Charles, 258 F. 723 (M.D.Ala.1919); Sloss-Sheffield Steel & Iron Co. v. Wilson, 183 Ala. 411, 62 So. 802 (1913). The burden in this case was on plaintiffs to prove that the dam operator acted in a negligent manner and that such negligence caused the damage. Plaintiffs failed to establish negligence on the part of APCo and to overcome the causation obstacle that the construction and operation of the dams during the period in question did not result in any water flow being greater than would have occurred under natural conditions.