Respondents/property owners filed suit against a developer for property damage caused by stormwater runoff. The circuit court judge issued an order granting a permanent injunction to the property owners, which enjoined the developer “from discharging sediment-laden stormwater onto [Respondents] property and causing damage thereto.”   Respondents later filed a motion to hold the developer in civil contempt for violation of the order. The circuit court held a hearing to determine if the developer was in contempt.  At the hearing, evidence was presented illustrating efforts the developer had taken to prevent the stormwater runoff, albeit unsuccessfully. The court found the developer in contempt and this appeal followed.

The court of appeals reversed the order of civil contempt.  “Contempt results from the willful disobedience of a court order, and before a court may find a person in contempt, the record must clearly and specifically reflect the contemptuous conduct . . . . A willful act is one . . . done voluntarily and intentionally with the specific intent to do something the law requires to be done; that is to say, with bad purpose either to disobey or disregard the law.”

The evidence in this case showed that the developer had taken steps to alleviate the runoff by hiring consultants and workers to monitor the property, and erecting silt fences, rock dams, and hay bales. Although these efforts did not completely stop the stormwater from entering onto Respondents’ properties, the court held that the developer’s “good faith attempt to comply with the order [did] not warrant a finding of contempt.”

This site and any information contained herein is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek a competent attorney for advice on any legal matter.