Emergency drilling in Newport Beach tackles methane and oil leaks from 1920s well

Emergency drilling in Newport Beach tackles methane and oil leaks from 1920s well

Crews in Newport Beach are conducting an around-the-clock drilling operation to fix an abandoned 1920s-era oil well that leaked methane and oil into a home on the Balboa Peninsula.

“The state of CA & city of Newport Beach are beginning emergency remediation of an abandoned 1920s oil well near Marcus Ave & 36th St.,” the Newport Beach Police Department announced Saturday on X.

“A specialized drill rig has arrived, with nighttime and 24/7 operations for the next 10 days.” Police added that nearby residents should expect to hear nighttime construction noise, a full street closure at Marcus and 36th Street, limited garage access near the site and no on-street parking.

The city declared a local emergency when the seeping methane gas was discovered in October.

The home at 3606 Marcus Ave.

has been red-tagged.