Charles & Janice Wolfe, V State Dept Of Transportation ( 2018 )


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  •                                                                     TILED
    COURT OF APPEALS ON I            '   It
    STATE OF VIASiiitiGTOR
    •
    20113 JUN 8 AK 9: 3
    IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
    CHARLES WOLFE,a single person,                   No. 77741-6-1
    and JANICE WOLFE, a single person,
    and JOHN and DEE ANTTONEN, and
    the marital community comprised
    thereof,
    Appellants,
    DIVISION ONE
    STATE OF WASHINGTON,                     )
    DEPARTMENT OF                            )
    TRANSPORTATION,                          )       UNPUBLISHED OPINION
    )
    Respondent.         )       FILED: June 18, 2018
    )
    MANN,A.C.J. —Appellants Charles and Janice Wolfe and John and Dee
    Anttonen (collectively Wolfe) own property downstream of the Naselle River Bridge in
    Pacific County. Wolfe sued the Washington State Department of Transportation
    (WSDOT)in 2014, alleging that the bridge was a public nuisance. The case proceeded
    to a bench trial. After Wolfe rested, the trial court granted WSDOT's motion for
    involuntary dismissal. Wolfe appeals the trial court's findings, conclusions, and order of
    dismissal.
    Because substantial evidence supports the trial court's findings, and those
    findings support its conclusions of law, we affirm.
    - No. 77741-6-1/2
    ,
    FACTS
    In 1926, WSDOT commissioned the construction of a bridge to accommodate a
    state highway, now known as SR 4.1 The bridge was designed to span the Naselle
    River, approximately 200 feet. In order to elevate the roadway to accommodate this
    span, a 600-foot earth-fill embankment(approach embankment) was built on the
    northwesterly bank of the river. The bridge was replaced in 1985. The 1985 bridge was
    widened to 36 feet, and raised 6 feet to obtain flood clearance; the approach
    embankment was also raised 6 feet. Like the 1926 bridge, the 1985 bridge spanned
    approximately 200 feet, which cleared the channel of the Naselle River flowing
    underneath. One of the bridge piers was repaired in 1998. This repair included
    installing a riprap adjacent to one of the bridge piers to protect it from river scour.2
    In 2004, Charles and Janice Wolfe purchased a nearby parcel of real property
    downstream of the bridge (Wolfe property). The Wolfes then purchased a neighboring
    parcel that abuts the Wolfe property to the east. In 2007, the Wolfes conveyed the
    second property to John and Dee Anttonen (Anttonen property). Both properties
    experience recurring flooding and bank erosion that the parties maintain was caused by
    the bridge, particularly the realignment of the bridge piers in 1985 that redirected the
    river toward their properties.
    1 Both parties substantially rely on the trial court's findings of fact in their "Statement of the Case."
    The majority of the trial court's findings of fact are unchallenged, and unchallenged findings of fact are
    verities on appeal. Cowiche Canyon Conservancy v. Bosley, 
    118 Wash. 2d 801
    , 808, 828 P.2d 549(1992).
    Wolfe does assign error to findings of fact, 1.31-1.34, 1.36, 1.40-1.46.
    2 Riprap is "a foundation or sustaining wall of stones thrown together without order (as in deep
    water on a soft bottom, or on an embankment to prevent erosion)." WEBSTER'S THIRD NEW INTERNATIONAL
    DICTIONARY 1960(2002).
    -2-
    No. 77741-6-1/3
    In 2010, Wolfe sued WSDOT in Pacific County Superior Court alleging inverse
    condemnation, negligence, and nuisance (Wolfe I). Wolfe I was dismissed by the
    superior court. The dismissal was affirmed by Wolfe v. Dep't of Transp., 
    173 Wash. App. 302
    , 293 P.3d 1244(2013).
    In 2014, Wolfe again sued WSDOT in Thurston County Superior Court(Wolfe II),
    alleging the bridge was a public nuisance and seeking an abatement of the nuisance.
    The trial court denied WSDOT's motion for summary judgment, finding that a floodplain
    obstruction claim was actionable under Washington's public nuisance laws. To avoid
    the doctrine of res judicata, however, Wolfe's public nuisance claims were limited to (1)
    an "obstruction" claim under RCW 7.48.140(3), and (2) a "pollution" claim under RCW
    7.48.140(2).
    Wolfe!! proceeded as a bench trial. Wolfe called four witnesses, plaintiff Colonel
    John Anttonen, expert Russ Lawrence, plaintiff Charles Wolfe, and expert Kimberly
    Schaumburg.
    Anttonen testified to the flooding and erosion he had seen on his property.
    Anttonen described how he had looked at the FEMA floodplain map before deciding
    where to build his house, but noticed that more areas had been flooding than were
    designated by the floodplain. Anttonen also testified that the area of his property
    included in the FEMA floodplain maps had increased, thereby reducing the value of his
    property. Anttonen explained that he had reached out to agencies and experts to
    determine the cause of the erosion on his property. In response, WSDOT inspected the
    property and WSDOT engineer Jim Park prepared a report(Park report). The Park
    report concluded the erosion was caused by natural river meander. Anttonen then hired
    -3-
    No. 77741-6-1/4
    Pacific Water Resources to review the Park report. Pacific Water Resources believed
    that the erosion was being driven by the way the bridge was built. Finally, Anttonen
    testified that he fished in the area and regularly witnessed other people fishing in the
    area.
    Russ Lawrence, a fluvial geomorphologist, testified as an expert witness.
    Lawrence opined that the bridge and its approach embankment are obstructing the
    Naselle River. Lawrence based his testimony on his 2011 examination of the Wolfe
    property. 3 Lawrence testified that the placement of the fill in the 600-foot area within
    the floodway constricted the natural course of the river and interfered with the natural
    meandering of the river. Lawrence also testified that the piers for the 1985 bridge were
    rotated 15-degrees south, changing the water flow and increasing the velocity in the
    direction of the plaintiff's property. This, he explained, subsequently caused increased
    erosion below the bridge and caused the flow of the river to change. Finding of Fact
    (Finding) 1.23.4 Lawrence testified he "would expect" the change in pier orientation
    would cause "the flood levels above the bridge to be incrementally reduced and below
    the bridge to be incrementally increased." Lawrence did not, however, testify that
    flooding had actually increased downstream of the bridge or that the bridge was the
    cause of increased flooding downstream.5
    3 Lawrence summarized his findings in a report entitled, "Geomorphic Evaluation of the Impacts
    of the SR 4 Bridge Across the Naselle River, SR 4 milepost 6.06." Lawrence's testimony was veritably a
    reiteration of this report.
    4 In Wolfe's opening brief, Wolfe states "Findings of Fact 1.26 through 1.30(CP 1507)" correctly
    capture his expert testimony.
    5 See Unchallenged Finding 1.31: "The Wolfe and Anttonen properties have experienced
    inundation by floodwater during flooding events. However, the court does not find sufficient evidence to
    establish that the bridge or earth fill approach was the cause of the increased flooding events."
    -4-
    No. 77741-6-1/5
    Lawrence reluctantly agreed there are other banks along the Naselle River that
    are eroding, unrelated to the bank on the Wolfe and Anttonen properties. Lawrence
    also agreed that the erosion has been occurring "throughout the system" at a higher
    rate due to a greater frequency of high flow events. Although Lawrence opined that it
    was worse near the bridge, Lawrence did not state what other areas of the river he had
    examined to support this statement.6 Finally, Lawrence stated that the earth fill
    approach does not obstruct the flow of the river below the "ordinary high water mark,"
    and that "the bridge, as it currently exists, is wide enough to pass a tankful!' event
    without upstream or downstream impacts."7 Findings 1.23-1.24. According to
    Lawrence, his conclusion was "that the reorientation of the piers supporting the bridge
    did not ameliorate the floodplain construction and increased downstream erosion."
    After Lawrence's testimony, WSDOT sought leave to call their witness, Steven
    Zaske, out of order to accommodate Zaske's schedule. Wolfe initially stipulated to this
    request until WSDOT qualified that they did not waive any defense or assume any
    burden of proof. Wolfe then objected. The trial court noted the objection, but allowed
    WSDOT to call Zaske out of order. Zaske testified that he worked for WSDOT and had
    prepared an environmental checklist and issued a determination of non-significance for
    6 The State questioned whether Lawrence reviewed the Pacific Water Resources report, Exhibit
    80, which concluded the frequency of high flow events have increased over time. Lawrence stated he did
    not.
    7 "Bankfull" and "ordinary high water" were used interchangeably throughout the testimony,
    although they have slightly different definitions. 'Ordinary high water mark' is "that mark that will be
    found by examining the bed and banks and ascertaining where the presence and action of waters are so
    common and usual, and so long continued in all ordinary years, as to mark upon the soil a character
    distinct from that of the abutting upland." RCW 90.58.030. A "Bank" is any land surface that is "landward
    of the ordinary high water line next to a body of water and constrains the water except during floods."
    WAC 220-660-030. "Bankfull depth' means "the average vertical distance between the channel bed and
    the estimated water surface elevation required to completely fill the channel to a point above which water
    would enter the flood plain or intersect a terrace or hillslope." WAC 222-16-010.
    -5-
    No. 77741-6-1/6
    compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act, chapter 43.21C RCW (SEPA).
    Zaske testified to his knowledge of the bridge's reconstruction project in 1985, including
    the environmental compliance measures WSDOT performed as part of the project.
    Charles Wolfe then testified to the increased flooding on his property and the
    erosion that has occurred since he purchased it. Wolfe described the research he
    performed investigating the cause of the erosion, and how he determined the best way
    to protect his property from further erosion. Wolfe eventually concluded that the bridge
    was the cause of the erosion and reached out to WSDOT, resulting in the Park report.
    Wolfe then described his efforts to acquire proof that WSDOT had obtained the correct
    permits when the bridge was built. Wolfe was not offered as an expert witness and was
    not permitted to analyze the causes of the flooding or the data related to the flooding.
    On the third day of trial, while Charles Wolfe was still testifying, Wolfe moved for
    leave to recall Anttonen to clarify and expand on some of his previous testimony. The
    trial court granted that motion. Later that day, Wolfe moved for leave to recall Lawrence
    arguing that he could rebut Zaske's testimony and to discuss the bridge's effect on the
    floodplain. After hearing argument from both sides, the trial court denied Wolfe's motion
    to recall Lawrence.
    Kimberly Schaumburg, a biologist, then testified as an expert witness.
    Schaumberg testified to her observations of the property and the types of pollution that
    often occurs due to erosion. Schaumburg testified that scour is erosion from the water
    to the stream bank or bed and has numerous negative impacts to aquatic life.
    Schaumburg testified that she did not perform an independent assessment of the water
    quality and did not take water samples. Schaumburg instead relied on water quality
    -6-
    No. 77741-6-1/7
    sampling collected by the Washington Department of Ecology(DOE) upstream of the
    bridge. DOE's data showed water quality concerns for temperature, dissolved oxygen,
    and ammonia. Schaumberg did not testify that DOE's data indicated concerns about
    sediment or turbidity.
    After Wolfe rested, WSDOT moved for involuntary dismissal. The trial court
    granted the motion and issued an extensive oral ruling. The trial court rejected
    WSDOT's legal claims, but concluded,"the evidence that has been presented by the
    Plaintiffs is not sufficient to carry the burden of proof that the Plaintiffs have and to
    establish the elements of a public nuisance." The trial court held, "1 have given great
    thought to all of the evidence, and ultimately, I am finding that the evidence simply does
    not make all of the connections and does not support all of the elements that must be
    shown for a public nuisance." The trial court then entered extensive written findings of
    fact and conclusions of law, and dismissed Wolfe's public nuisance claims. This appeal
    followed.
    ANALYSIS
    Standard of Review
    Under CR 41(b)(3), "[a]fter the plaintiff, in an action tried by the court without a
    jury, has completed the presentation of evidence, the defendant, without waiving the
    right to offer evidence in the event the motion is not granted, may move for a dismissal
    on the ground that upon the facts and the law the plaintiff has shown no right to relief."
    The trial court may grant the motion as a matter of law or fact. Roy v. Goerz, 26 Wn.
    App. 807, 809,614 P.2d 1308 (1980), overruled on other grounds by Chaplin v.
    Sanders, 
    100 Wash. 2d 853
    , 859,676 P.2d 431 (1984).
    -7-
    No. 77741-6-1/8
    If the trial court rules as a matter of law, "it must treat the plaintiffs evidence as
    true and determine that the plaintiff has failed to establish a prima facie case." Logan v.
    Logan, 
    36 Wash. App. 411
    , 415,675 P.2d 1242(1984)(quoting N. Fiorito Co. v. State, 
    69 Wash. 2d 616
    , 618, 
    419 P.2d 586
    (1966)). If the trial court rules as a matter of fact, it may
    "weigh the evidence in support of plaintiffs case and make 'a factual determination that
    plaintiff has failed to establish a prima facie case by credible evidence, or that the
    credible evidence establishes facts which preclude plaintiffs recovery." Logan, 36 Wn.
    App. at 415 (quoting N. 
    Fiorito, 69 Wash. 2d at 618
    ); Dependency of Schermer, 
    161 Wash. 2d 927
    , 939, 169 P.3d 452(2007). In weighing the evidence, "the trial court, as the trier of
    the facts, is not required to accept all of plaintiffs evidence as true." N. 
    Fiorito, 69 Wash. 2d at 618
    -19. The trial court is to "appraise the credibility of the testimony and the
    force of any exhibits, and may believe or disbelieve plaintiffs evidence, resolve
    testimonial conflicts, evaluate circumstantial evidence,[and] draw reasonable and
    allowable inferences." N. 
    Fiorito, 69 Wash. 2d at 618
    -19.
    When the trial court enters a judgment on the merits, it must make findings of
    fact. 
    Schermer, 161 Wash. 2d at 939
    ; CR 41(b)(3). There is a strong suggestion that the
    trial court has weighed evidence when it enters findings of fact and conclusions of law.
    
    Schermer, 161 Wash. 2d at 940
    .
    In this case, the trial court entered judgment on the merits after entering
    extensive findings of fact and conclusions of law.8 Therefore, "appellate review is
    limited to whether substantial evidence supports the trial court's findings and whether
    8 Wolfe incorrectly argues that the trial court ruled as a matter of law because the dismissal
    turned on "incorrect legal views." In the trial court's oral ruling, the trial court explicitly rejected the State's
    legal arguments and instead weighed the factual evidence against the legal standard, resolving the case
    on its merits. We find no support for Wolfe's contention that the trial court ruled as a matter of law.
    -8-
    No. 77741-6-1/9
    the findings support its conclusions of law." 
    Schermer, 161 Wash. 2d at 940
    (citing Nelson
    Constr. Co. of Ferndale v. Port of Bremerton, 
    20 Wash. App. 321
    , 
    582 P.2d 511
    (1978).
    Substantial evidence is the quantum of evidence "sufficient to persuade a rational fair-
    minded person the premise is true." Sunnyside Valley Wig. Dist. v. Dickie, 
    149 Wash. 2d 873
    , 879, 
    73 P.3d 369
    (2003).
    Public Nuisance
    Wolfe's claims arise out of Washington's public nuisance statute, chapter 7.48
    RCW. A nuisance is broadly defined as "unlawfully doing an act, or omitting to perform
    a duty, which act or omission either annoys, injures or endangers the comfort, repose,
    health or safety of others . . . or in any way renders other persons insecure in life, or in
    the use of property." RCW 7.48.120; Grundy v. Thurston County, 
    155 Wash. 2d 1
    , 6-7,
    117 P.3d 1089(2005). An actionable nuisance includes "an obstruction to the free use
    of property, so as to essentially interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of the life and
    property." RCW 7.48.010. Any person whose property is injuriously affected or whose
    personal enjoyment is lessened by a nuisance may sue for damages and for injunctive
    relief to abate the nuisance. RCW 7.48.020; 
    Grundy, 155 Wash. 2d at 6-7
    .9
    A nuisance "which affects equally the rights of an entire community or
    neighborhood" is a public nuisance." RCW 7.48.130. RCW 7.48.140 lists several
    enumerated public nuisances, including, as pertinent here, "(2). . . to corrupt or render
    unwholesome or impure the water of any such spring, stream, pond, lake, or well, to the
    9 "Every person who has the care, government, management, or control of any building, structure,
    .. . shall, for the purposes of this section, be taken and deemed to be the owner or agent of the owner or
    owners of such building, structure, ... and, as such, may be proceeded against for erecting, contriving,
    causing, continuing, or maintaining such nuisance." RCW 7.48.140(9). Nobody contests that WSDOT
    has control over the bridge.
    -9-
    No. 77741-6-1/10
    injury or prejudice of others;[and](3)To obstruct or impede, without legal authority, the
    passage of any river, harbor, or collection of water." RCW 7.48.140(2)-(3). "A private
    person may maintain a civil action for a public nuisance, if it is specifically injurious to
    himself." RCW 7.48.210; Hostetler v. Ward, 
    41 Wash. App. 343
    , 356-57, 
    704 P.2d 1193
    (1985). Wolfe argues that the bridge is a public nuisance under both RCW 7.48.130(2)
    and (3).
    A. Obstruction
    Wolfe argues first that the bridge is a public nuisance because it obstructs
    "without legal authority, the passage of any river, harbor, or collection of water." RCW
    7.48.140(3). Wolfe maintains the bridge obstructs the Naselle River floodplain, which
    negatively impacts the river's natural migration process causing increased flooding to
    the Wolfe property and the community below the river.
    The trial court's findings of fact affirmed Wolfe's claims that the earth fill and the
    bridge constituted an obstruction of the floodplain. Finding 1.26. The trial court also
    agreed that the obstruction "resulted in a change of water flow, as well as increased
    river velocities in the vicinity of the bridge," and the "600-foot long earth fill approach
    across the floodplain has constrained and interfered with the natural meandering
    characteristics of the river." Findings 1.26-1.28. The court also found that the Wolfe
    and Anttonen properties "have experienced inundation by floodwater during flooding
    events." Finding 1.31. Neither party contests these findings.
    Nevertheless, the trial court found the evidence was insufficient "to establish that
    the bridge or the earth fill approach was the cause of the increased flooding events."
    Finding 1.31. The court found also that the evidence was insufficient "to establish that
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    No. 77741-6-1/11
    the bridge or the earth fill approach was the cause of any change in the floodplain
    designation on FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Manual(FIRM) maps of the area." Finding
    1.32. Thus, without evidence to demonstrate a "causal link" between the bridge and the
    increased flooding, the trial court concluded "[t]he evidence is insufficient to prove that
    the bridge and the earth fill approach are the cause of flooding on plaintiffs' land or of
    any change in the area's FEMA FIRM maps." Conclusion of Law (Conclusion) 2.9.
    After reviewing the record, we agree with the trial court that Wolfe failed to
    demonstrate that the bridge was the cause of the flooding. While Lawrence speculated
    that he "would expect" the bridge to result in increased flooding downstream, he offered
    no evidence or opinion that the bridge was the actual cause of any downstream flooding
    and instead agreed that there had been increased flooding events throughout the river.
    Wolfe's argument relies simply on evidence that flooding was occurring. Wolfe does not
    identify evidence in the record that demonstrates the cause of this flooding. Wolfe's
    argument instead relies on mere speculation, arguing the "reasonable inference from
    evidence in the record" is that "the cause of the increase in base flood elevation is the
    SR4 Bridge."
    Wolfe maintains "WSDOT had the burden of proving the affirmative defense" that
    the bridge was not the cause of the flooding. Wolfe is incorrect. Wolfe, as the plaintiff,
    carried the burden of demonstrating that the bridge was an "obstruction" that constituted
    a "nuisance." "An actionable nuisance must injure the property or unreasonably
    interfere with enjoyment of the property." Tiegs v. Watts, 
    135 Wash. 2d 1
    , 13, 954 P.2d
    877(1998). Thus, for Wolfe to meet his burden, he needed to provide sufficient
    evidence that the bridge and fill obstructed the river, and that obstruction caused the
    -11-
    No. 77741-6-1/12
    changes to the rivers floodplain that injured his property. The State did not have the
    burden to "justify the impacts of the SR4 Bridge," because Wolfe failed to meet his
    burden of proving that the bridge was causing those impacts. We hold the trial court's
    conclusion that Wolfe failed to prove that the bridge and the earth fill approach are the
    cause of flooding on Wolfe's property is supported by the court's findings and
    substantial evidence. Conclusion 2.9.10
    Wolfe also argues the trial court committed legal error when it erroneously
    required proof that the increased flooding exceeded a certain percentage when the law
    prohibits any increase in base flood elevation. This is incorrect. The trial court explicitly
    found there was no evidence that the bridge had caused any increase in flooding. The
    trial court only mentioned whether the flooding had "create[d] an impact in the base flow
    elevation by more than one foot" while discussing whether the construction of the bridge
    was lawful, not in determining causation. The trial court did not misapply the law.
    We turn next to Wolfe's argument that the bridge is a public nuisance because,
    due to its obstruction, it is causing erosion. There is no dispute that the banks of the
    Wolfe and Anttonen properties are eroding. The trial court concluded that "[t]he bridge
    and the earth fill approach are obstructing the Naselle River's floodplain, causing
    erosion of plaintiffs' property and interfering with their quiet enjoyment of their land."
    Conclusion 2.8.
    10 WSDOT briefly argues in their response that the statutory language "to obstruct or impede . . .
    the passage of any river, harbor, or collection of water," does not apply when the obstruction is not
    interfering with the ability to travel by way of the river. This corresponds with WSDOT's motion for
    summary judgment that was denied by the trial court. WSDOT does not assign error to the trial court's
    ruling that obstruction of the river includes an obstruction that alters the floodplain. "If a respondent is
    also seeking review, the brief of respondent must state the assignments of error and the issues pertaining
    to those assignments of error presented for review by respondent and include argument of those issues."
    RAP 10.3(8)(b). As this issue was not properly raised on appeal, we decline to consider it.
    -12-
    No. 77741-6-1/13
    The trial court's analysis next considered whether the erosion amounted to a
    public nuisance. A public nuisance must affect "an entire community or neighborhood."
    RCW 7.48.130. The trial court found, "in light of this testimony and the reasonable
    inferences drawn therefrom" the evidence was insufficient "to show that erosion or bank
    loss extended to the entire community or a broader neighborhood than the Plaintiffs."
    Finding 1.40. After reviewing the record, we agree with the trial court.
    Wolfe's expert, Lawrence, opined that the bridge was causing increased erosion.
    Lawrence's testimony, however, was limited to the effect the bridge had on the Wolfe
    and Anttonen properties. While Lawrence speculated that continued erosion might
    result in the Naselle River jumping its bank and connecting with Salmon Creek within
    five years, the bank and portions of Salmon Creek that are at risk of this avulsion are
    entirely within the Anttonen and Wolfe properties. Wolfe failed to present evidence or
    testimony that the erosion would affect other properties in the community. We hold the
    trial court's findings are supported by substantial evidence and support the conclusion
    that the evidence was insufficient to demonstrate that the erosion was impacting the
    community.
    Moreover, even if Wolfe had demonstrated that the bridge resulted in increased
    flooding or erosion affecting the community, he also needed to demonstrate that the
    obstruction existed "without legal authority." RCW 7.48.140(3). Wolfe argued that
    WSDOT did not have the legal authority to obstruct or impede the river because there
    was no evidence that WSDOT received the proper permits.11 The trial court
    11 Wolfe argues that the bridge is a nuisance "per se" because he proved it is "obstructing" the
    river. "A nuisance per se is an activity that is not permissible under any circumstances, such as an
    activity forbidden by statute or ordinance." Kitsap County v. Kitsap Rifle & Revolver Club, 184 Wn. App.
    -13-
    No. 77741-6-1/14
    acknowledged this argument, but found, "sufficient evidence was not provided to
    establish that as a matter of fact WSDOT violated a permitting requirement at the time
    the bridge was replaced in 1985, or that the bridge or its approach caused a change in
    the base flood elevation."
    The trial court's findings are supported by substantial evidence. Wolfe did not
    offer testimony or evidence from experts or other persons familiar with the permitting
    requirements to substantiate the claim that WSDOT needed to obtain additional permits
    in 1985.12 The only evidence of the permits required in 1985 was a list of permits
    identified in the SEPA environmental checklist prepared by WSDOT. All of the permits
    noted in the environmental checklist were offered and admitted as exhibits.13 Other
    than the permits identified in the environmental checklist, Wolfe failed to offer any
    credible evidence as to which permits were required at the time the bridge was built, or
    that WSDOT violated any permit procedures. Wolfe simply testified to what he believed
    to be the permits that were required at the time the bridge was built. Citing to statutes
    alone does not specify what permits were required administratively at the time.
    252, 277, 337 P.3d 328(2014), amended on denial of reconsideration (Feb. 10, 2015). A bridge is
    permissible under many circumstances; therefore, the bridge would only be a nuisance if it was built in
    violation of a statutory prohibition and without agency approval.
    12 Wolfe also argues that WSDOT did not have the correct permits for the original bridge or the
    1998 repair work, however, this information is irrelevant. The original bridge was an obstruction;
    however, Wolfe did not present any evidence that it "interfered with the comfortable enjoyment" of his
    property. Wolfe similarly did not present any evidence that the repair work done in 1998 affected his
    property. Wolfe only provided evidence that the bridge, as built in 1985, caused the erosion and the
    flooding that they have experienced. Therefore, the issue is whether the bridge, as built in 1985, was an
    unlawful obstruction.
    13 See Exs. 169 and 20 (Application for Pacific County Shoreline Management Permit); Ex. 170
    (Shoreline Management Permit from Department of Ecology); Exs.172 and 24(Hydraulic Project Approval
    from Department of Fisheries); Ex. 164(SEPA Declaration of Non-Significance, application); 165
    (Environmental checklist); Ex. 167(SEPA Final).
    -14-
    No. 77741-6-1/15
    The trial court's findings support the conclusion that Wolfe failed to present the
    necessary evidence to demonstrate a prima facie case for public nuisance under RCW
    7.48.140(3).
    B. Erosion as Pollution
    Wolfe argues next that the bridge is a public nuisance under RCW 7.48.140(2),
    which provides, "[i]t is a public nuisance... to corrupt or render unwholesome or
    impure the water of any such spring, stream, pond, lake, or well, to the injury of others."
    Wolfe maintains that the bridge is causing erosion which in turn results in excessive
    amounts of sediment being deposited into the river negatively affecting the river's water
    quality and habitability for aquatic life.
    The trial court summarized the requirement for demonstrating a public nuisance
    under RCW 7.48.140(2) stating, "there needs to be evidence of pollution being
    introduced into a river that renders the river impure and that causes injury to people."
    Finding 1.42. The trial court found that Wolfe presented, through Shaumberg's
    testimony, some evidence of the potential for "water pollution." Finding 1.43. In
    analyzing this evidence, however, the trial court found Schaumburg "did not take
    specific measurements of the water quality in the area. And, while she described
    potential impacts to water quality in general terms, she did not offer an opinion that the
    bridge or the earth fill approach caused the water quality issues she noted." Finding
    1.44. The trial court found that "[s]ufficient evidence has not been offered to support a
    finding that the bridge or the earth fill approach caused any negative impact to the
    river's water quality or impacts to fish or other aquatic life." Finding 1.45.
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    No. 77741-6-1/16
    The trial court's findings are supported by substantial evidence. There is no
    dispute that the trial court found the bridge caused the erosion on the Wolfe and
    Anttonen properties. The trial court also recognized that sedimentation fouls the waters
    of the state and damages fish habitat. However, Schaumberg failed to present
    evidence that the erosion had "corrupt[ed] or render[ed] unwholesome or impure" the
    river "to the injury of others." RCW 7.48.140(2). Schaumberg relied entirely on water
    quality measurements taken by the DOE upstream of the bridge, which simply indicated
    concerns for temperature, dissolved oxygen, and ammonia. Schaumburg only testified
    to the possible effects of increased sedimentation in the water, without offering any
    evidence of an increase in sedimentation below the bridge.
    The trial court also found "sufficient evidence [had] not been offered to establish
    that the entire community has been injured by any water quality change attributable to
    the bridge. This finding is also supported by substantial evidence.
    The area near the bridge supports fishing and recreation by members of the
    general public. Plaintiff John Anttonen testified that this fishing continues, and that he
    has fished the river near his property in the past. Finding 1.46. Schaumberg did not
    testify that the alleged pollution had any effect on the communities continued use of the
    river. Wolfe simply argues "[t]he people of the state have a vested interest in clean
    water, unobstructed floodplains, robust aquatic habitat, and robust floodplain functions
    and values, consistent with RCW 90.58.020" and "a violation of these laws which
    threaten (or damage) public waters and public resources affect the entire community
    without regard to the location of the environmental perturbation." However, this is not a
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    No. 77741-6-1/17
    concrete measure of injury.14 Even if general statements of possible pollution were
    sufficient to prove a nuisance, Wolfe did not provide any evidence that he had been
    "specially" harmed by this pollution.
    The findings support the trial court's conclusion that the evidence was insufficient
    to prove that the bridge or the earth fill approach were "corrupting or rendering
    unwholesome or impure the water of the Naselle River." Conclusions 2.17-2.18. We
    hold the findings support the trial courts conclusion that Wolfe failed to demonstrate a
    prima facie case for public nuisance under RCW 7.48.140(3).
    Procedural Issues
    Wolfe next raises three procedural issue on appeal.
    Wolfe contends first that the trial court abused its discretion when it permitted the
    State's witness, Zaske, to be called during their presentation of the case. We disagree.
    It is undisputed that the plaintiff bears the burden of proof at trial, and is entitled
    to present its case first. Allowing the plaintiff to completely present its case without
    interruption is generally the preferred method of procedure, however, "a trial court has
    discretion to permit the interruption of a party's case when necessary for the
    convenience of litigants or the trial court." Wilson v. Overlake Hosp. Medical Center, 
    77 Wash. App. 909
    , 913, 895 P.2d 16(1995). Here, the State's witness was only available at
    this time. The trial court did not abuse its discretion in granting this limited interruption.
    14 Compare to Miotke v. City of Spokane, 
    101 Wash. 2d 307
    , 319, 678 P.2d 803(1984), abrogated
    tly Blue Sky Advocates v. State, 
    107 Wash. 2d 112
    , 727 P.2d 644(1986), where the city had allowed a
    bypass that permitted untreated sewage to enter the lake.
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    No. 77741-6-1/18
    Wolfe argues next that permitting Zaske to testify barred the State from
    subsequently filing a motion for involuntary dismissal under CR 41(b)(3).15 Again, we
    disagree.
    A defendant generally waives a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence by
    proceeding to present evidence after his motion to dismiss has been denied, or where
    the court "fails to rule or reserves its ruling." Hector v. Martin, 
    51 Wash. 2d 707
    , 709, 
    321 P.2d 555
    (1958); NW. Wholesale v. Pac Organic Fruit, 
    184 Wash. 2d 176
    , 182-183, 357
    P.3d 650(2015), cert. denied, 
    136 S. Ct. 1453
    , 
    194 L. Ed. 2d 551
    (2016). "This rule
    simply means a defendant waives the right to challenge the sufficiency of the plaintiffs
    evidence alone by presenting evidence in defense," it does not bar the court from
    considering "the motion in light of all of the evidence." See NW. 
    Wholesale, 184 Wash. 2d at 182-83
    .
    In NW. Wholesale, the plaintiff challenged the decision of the trial court granting
    the defendant's motion for dismissal after the defendant presented evidence. The
    appellate court held "even if sufficiency of the evidence bore on any pertinent question,
    nothing indicates that the trial court limited itself to considering only [the plaintiff's]
    
    evidence." 184 Wash. 2d at 183
    . Thus, the prejudice occurs when the plaintiff does not
    15 CR 41(b)(3) states:
    After the plaintiff, in an action tried by the court without a jury, has completed the
    presentation of the evidence, the defendant, without waiving the right to offer evidence in
    the event the motion is not granted, may move for a dismissal on the ground that upon
    the facts and the law the plaintiff has shown no right to relief. The court as trier of the
    facts may then determine them and render judgment against the plaintiff or may decline
    to render any judgment until the close of all the evidence. If the court renders judgment
    on the merits against the plaintiff, the court shall make findings as provided in rule 52(a).
    Unless the court in its order for dismissal otherwise specifies, a dismissal under this
    subsection and any dismissal not provided for in this rule, other than a dismissal for lack
    of jurisdiction, for improper venue, or for failure to join a party under rule 19, operates as
    an adjudication upon the merits.
    -18-
    No. 77741-6-1/19
    receive the benefit of all of the evidence presented, not that the defendant's evidence
    prejudiced the plaintiff.
    In this case, the trial court specifically stated that it had considered Zaske's
    testimony when ruling on the motion. Therefore, both parties were given the benefit of
    all of the evidence. Wolfe also frequently uses Zaske's testimony in his favor
    throughout his brief. Hector and NW Wholesale indicate that the remedy for a potential
    error is that we are also to view all of the evidence on appeal, which we have done.
    Finally, Wolfe argues that the trial court erred in denying his request to recall
    Lawrence "as a rebuttal expert." We disagree. "The recalling of a witness prior to the
    close of a party's case is a matter for the discretion of the trial court, and will not be
    reversed absent a manifest abuse of discretion." State v. Martinez, 
    53 Wash. App. 709
    ,
    717, 
    770 P.2d 646
    (1989). We also review the refusal by a trial court to admit rebuttal
    evidence under a manifest abuse of discretion standard. State v. White, 
    74 Wash. 2d 386
    ,
    395, 
    444 P.2d 661
    (1968). Such abuse occurs only when no reasonable person would
    take the adopted view. Discipline of Van Camp, 
    171 Wash. 2d 781
    , 799, 
    257 P.3d 599
    (2011). A trial court is responsible for controlling the mode and order of witnesses and
    presentation of evidence pursuant to ER 611.
    At trial, Wolfe moved for leave to recall Lawrence for the purpose of testifying to
    new issues that he did not address previously, to clarify his prior testimony, and to rebut
    the discussion of the permits that have been identified by Zaske's testimony. On
    appeal, Wolfe argues that recalling Lawrence was necessary to rebut Zaske's testimony
    regarding the need for a no-rise certificate or other applications considering flood levels.
    -19-
    No. 77741-6-1/20
    Rebuttal evidence is admitted to enable the plaintiff to answer new matters
    presented by the defense. 
    White, 74 Wash. 2d at 394
    . In this case, Lawrence's testimony
    would not have responded to new matters raised by Zaske. One of the arguments
    Wolfe raised at trial was that WSDOT failed to obtain the necessary permits at the time
    the bridge was built. In doing so, Wolfe provided copies of all the permits WSDOT had
    obtained, including the SEPA environmental checklist. Zaske's testimony simply
    reiterated the information available on the SEPA environmental checklist. Zaske did not
    offer new testimony regarding a "no-rise certification," or whether they submitted any
    applications considering the floodwaters, or flood rise.16 These topics were raised,
    objected to, and then never pursued. Contrary to Wolfe's assertion, Zaske did not offer
    new evidence that needed to be rebutted.
    Moreover, Wolfe failed to lay a foundation that Lawrence was qualified to testify
    to the permitting requirements in place at the time the bridge was built. Although
    Lawrence was an engineer, Wolfe offered no evidence that Lawrence was familiar with
    permitting requirements in 1985. The trial court also noted that Wolfe had been granted
    significant time to examine Lawrence, and had two years to prepare for trial. The trial
    court did not abuse its discretion.
    16 "Do you know what an engineering no rise certificate is? MR. HUOT: Objection. Exceeds the
    scope. THE COURT: Over -- MR. REYNOLDS: Let me ask it a different way, Your Honor. See Report of
    Proceedings (Oct. 11, 2016)at 295.
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    No. 77741-6-1/21
    We affirm.
    WE CONCUR:
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