Newport Beach officials have launched a 24/7 emergency drilling operation to repair an abandoned 1920s-era oil well that caused methane and oil to seep into a home on the Balboa Peninsula, prompting evacuations in the fall.
The round-the-clock effort began this week near Marcus Avenue and 36th Street, where a specialized drill rig is now operating under full street closures and restricted access for nearby residents. According to city officials, the work is expected to continue for three to four weeks.
The leak was first discovered in late October after a homeowner reported oil seeping into their property. When city crews responded, they detected methane gas in the home’s courtyard area — a dangerous combination that led Newport Beach to declare a local emergency and order evacuations. The affected home at 3606 Marcus Avenue remains red-tagged indefinitely…