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Matrix (RMX) says Hosienda spill contained; Fish and Wildlife signed off, pipeline repair pending
Summary
RMX Resources (Matrix) told the council that a May 16 spill at Hosienda and East Road was contained and cleaned up to Fish and Wildlife's satisfaction; company representatives said microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) caused a small hole in the line and that soil removed is being stored and disposed of under state oversight while pipeline repairs are scheduled.
Jonathan Gregory, representing RMX Resources/Matrix Oil, briefed the La Habra Heights City Council on June 9 about a leak discovered May 16 at the intersection of Hosienda and East Road.
Gregory said a resident reported the leak, the city notified Matrix and company crews worked with the city, public works and the fire department to contain and remediate the spill. He told the council that cleanup work continued for weeks and that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provided sign-off last Thursday, indicating the agency’s approval of the cleanup work performed.
In response to council questions, a company specialist (identified in the record as Jessica) said the failure appears to be microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) that developed at a low spot in the line. Gregory and Jessica said the damage began as a small, approximately nickel-sized hole; Matrix plans pipeline repair and hydrostatic testing once the repair is complete. The company also described increased maintenance steps moving forward, including more frequent pigging of the line.
Council members pressed the company on remediation details: removed soils are being inventoried and stored under state oversight, and Matrix said soils will be disposed of properly and native soil used to backfill after the pipe repair is complete. Staff said some areas required more extensive excavation and that backfill and mitigation would be coordinated with the city; the state’s specifications constrain reuse of removed soil.
Councilmembers and staff publicly thanked Roy Francis and city staff for quick identification and response; the city’s emergency operations and Matrix’s spill-drill preparations were cited as helping limit impacts. Harold (council) asked explicitly whether any homeowners were impacted and staff said the oil remained in the storm drain system and that no neighbors were impacted.
No formal motion was required; the council accepted the report and asked for continued coordination on repairs, mitigation and public notices to adjacent property owners.
