City News

Balboa Peninsula residents who were evacuated on Wednesday, Oct. 22 due to methane gas seepage at 3606 Marcus Ave. have been cleared to safely return to their homes.

The official authorization follows successful mitigation work by the City of Newport Beach Utilities and Fire departments in coordination with the Orange County Health Care Agency (OC Health).

Crews installed a ventilation system using several large, vertical pipes to safely release methane gas into the atmosphere. A supplemental ground-level system was also put in place to vent any additional gas that may accumulate. These measures have proven successful in reducing gas pressure to a point where it no longer poses a public safety emergency or health hazard.

“We were dealing with a buildup of flammable and toxic gases beneath the structure, which required highly controlled venting efforts,” said Newport Beach Fire Chief Jeff Boyles. “Our team worked methodically to address the hazard and ensure conditions are safe for neighboring homes. The health and safety of our residents continue to guide every step of this response.”

The incident originated several months ago when the homeowner at 3606 Marcus Ave. reported crude oil seeping up through the home’s foundation. At that time the issue was limited to private property and did not present a danger to the public.

However, after the presence of methane gas was detected and confirmed on Oct. 22, the City responded immediately and ordered the evacuation of seven surrounding homes.

“We appreciate the cooperation and patience of the community throughout this response,” said City Manager Grace Leung. “Their understanding of the need to evacuate allowed our teams to conduct this work safely and effectively.”

While area residents may now return home, the affected property at 3606 Marcus Avenue will remain red-tagged indefinitely until a permanent solution to the oil and gas seepage is identified and implemented by the homeowner. The City will continue to closely monitor venting systems and environmental conditions in the area.

The oil and gas seepage is believed to be caused by intrusion from an abandoned private oil well beneath the property. The oil well was abandoned and capped in 1929, according to State records.