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 drillrig 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.