Opinion ID: 3218066
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Evidence of Nuisance

Text: We begin by addressing the evidence in light of the definition of a nuisance we have confirmed today. Jury Question No. 2, which addressed the Gardiners’ negligent-nuisance claim, asked, “Did Crosstex negligently create a nuisance as to the [Gardiners’ property]?” With this question, the court instructed the jury by using the definition of “nuisance” we have approved today: “A ‘nuisance’ is a condition that substantially interferes with the use and enjoyment of land by causing unreasonable discomfort or annoyance to persons of ordinary sensibilities.” To that question, the jury answered, “Yes.” Setting aside the question of whether sufficient evidence supports a finding that Crosstex engaged in legally culpable conduct, it is apparent from that definition and the jury’s answer to Question 2 that the jury necessarily found that Crosstex created the kind of substantial interference and unreasonable effects that constitute a nuisance. We conclude that legally sufficient evidence 43 supports that finding. The Gardiners presented evidence that the noise from the motors was extremely loud, caused vibrations across their land, and substantially interfered with their ability to enjoy their land. Crosstex’s evidence that it had installed “hospital-grade” mufflers, hired sound engineers to conduct noise readings, hung sound-absorbing blankets inside the building, built three sound walls around on the south side of the building and another sound wall on the east side, and installed air-intake silencers may be evidence to the contrary, but it does not negate the Gardiners’ evidence. In fact, it may tend to support the finding that Crosstex created, and then repeatedly sought to mitigate, a nuisance. We therefore agree with the court of appeals that the Gardiners presented legally sufficient evidence of the type of substantial and unreasonable interference that constitutes a nuisance.