Newport Beach Deploys 110‑Foot Drill Rig to Seal Methane Leak from 1920s Oil Well

In a swift response to a methane gas leak that first spiked in October, city crews began an emergency drilling operation on Monday along the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach.

The Drilling Operation

The work is taking place near Marcus Avenue and 36th Street, where a 110‑foot tall drill rig—roughly the height of a ten‑story building—has been positioned on a narrow street surrounded by closely spaced homes.

The Rig and Its Origin

“The special drill rig was brought in from Bakersfield as it was wedged in between the closely situated homes on Marcus Avenue,” a city representative explained, noting the logistical challenge of installing such a large piece of equipment in a tight area.

Community Reactions

Hannah Dvorak, a neighbor who lives on the block, said the constant noise has become a familiar background sound. “It’s a loud, constant noise, so at least it’s consistent, not spontaneous,” she told reporters. “It’s kind of eventful, so it’s neat for me to keep an eye on it. I’m sure everybody is ready for it to be over.”

Work Timeline

The drilling began on Saturday with the goal of permanently capping an oil well that dates back to the 1920s. Officials estimate the operation will last nine to ten days.

The Oil Well’s History

City crews reported that the well sits several hundred feet directly under a home and that oil began seeping up from the ground over the summer months.

Emergency Declaration

In October, the city declared a local emergency when methane gas levels spiked, prompting a rapid response from emergency services.

Neighbor Insight

Paul Dolkas, another resident, shared his experience: “We knew the neighbors that had the house with the oil leak,” he said. “They are very friendly people. It was bummer for them that they had to move out. The oil came out of nowhere out of the ground.”

Subsurface Uncertainty

While city crews do not know exactly what lies beneath the surface, they suspect the original cap installed in 1929 became dislodged or moved, allowing oil to rise to the ground.

City’s Plan

To address the issue, the city will drill several hundred feet down, clean out the well, and then cap it with cement.

24/7 Operations

The drilling will continue around the clock, with large lights set up to allow work to proceed even at night.

Additional Resident Concerns

Mark Vukojevic, a neighbor, described the situation as “This is a mess. Very loud and inconvenient. Frustrating,” adding that most people are very understanding and working through the disruption.

Community Goals

Vukojevic also said, “Our goal is to finish as quickly as possible so we can get this community back on its feet by Christmas, New years.”

Safety Measures

City officials emphasized that all safety protocols are being followed, including continuous monitoring of methane levels and emergency shutdown procedures.

Environmental Impact

The operation aims to prevent further methane emissions, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, by sealing the leaking well.

Expected Outcomes

Once capped, the well should no longer release oil or methane, reducing the risk of future leaks and protecting nearby homes.

Resident Support

Despite the inconvenience, many residents have expressed gratitude for the city’s quick action and transparency throughout the process.

Final Remarks

The Newport Beach mayor and city council are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as the drilling progresses.

Key Takeaways

• A 110‑foot drill rig is being used to cap a 1920s oil well on Balboa Peninsula.
• The operation began on Saturday and is expected to last nine to ten days.
• City crews are working 24/7, with lighting for night work, to stop methane emissions.

The emergency drilling operation underscores the city’s commitment to addressing environmental hazards swiftly and effectively, ensuring the safety and well‑being of Newport Beach residents.