Residents along Rhone Lane appeared in court after years of conflict with O.C. Sanitation, which says it needs improved access to an underground sewer pipeline that runs through the backyards of nearly 30 homes. Some construction has already begun on properties where owners agreed to allow work, but others are fighting the effort in court.
"This is something that we've been living with since, what, December of 2023," resident Tony Shahidi said.
The sanitation district has argued that it cannot properly reach its facilities within the easement, which dates back to the 1960s. The agency offered to pay demolition costs for homeowners who agreed to remove pools, structures or other improvements, but several refused.
"There's a complete inability for O.C. San to get to its facility in this easement, which is essentially in the backyards of these property owners," said Gary Weisberg, an attorney for O.C. Sanitation. "If that's not interference, I don't know what is."
Attorneys for the residents countered that the district has accessed and maintained the sewer line for decades without issue.
"Bureaucracies can be abusive and in this case, what O.C. San is doing is offensive. It's as offensive as the sewage that they manage every day," said Javier Van Oordt, an attorney representing the residents.
The judge ruled that the O.C. Sanitation District had not yet proven that homeowners were interfering with access and set the case for trial in March 2027. The court also granted residents permission to file a complaint against the City of Huntington Beach.
"Everything that's been built there, that's been there for over 50 years, whether it's pools or fences or block walls or water, were permitted and approved by the City of Huntington Beach," Van Oordt said.
In a statement, O.C. Sanitation said its efforts are aimed at ensuring "safe, reliable access to critical regional wastewater infrastructure that protects public health, the environment, and the communities we serve."
The agency said the pipeline serves thousands of residents and that maintaining access is necessary for worker safety, regulatory compliance and long-term system reliability. Work will continue in areas where access is available, the statement said.
O.C. Sanitation added that it "remains committed to responsible stewardship of public infrastructure and will continue working to maintain and protect the wastewater system our ratepayers depend on every day."
Shahidi said residents are encouraged by the judge's decision.
"We are happy that as taxpayers, tax paying citizens of this country, we get our day in court. That's all we want."
Several homeowners who signed agreements with the sanitation district have already had portions of their properties demolished, including pools. When asked what would happen if the court ultimately rules in favor of residents, the district said it believes those agreements will stand.