News

A State-led effort to permanently cap an abandoned oil well near Marcus Avenue and 36th Street has made significant progress. However, unforeseen technical challenges have extended the emergency operation beyond the original completion estimate.

Because this work is ongoing and conditions can change as drilling continues, the City will provide more frequent updates every 24 to 48 hours to keep residents informed about progress, impacts and next steps. The web page Marcus Avenue Oil Well Emergency Remediation: Ongoing Updates | City of Newport Beach will serve as the central source for the latest, verified information related to the remediation effort.

Residents are encouraged to check regularly at newportbeachca.gov/marcusoil or subscribe to the City’s General News email list at newportbeachca.gov/subscribe to receive updates directly as they are issued.

The remediation effort is led by the California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) using State contractors and is funded through a State program for abandoned oil well rehabilitation. The City of Newport Beach is supporting the effort by coordinating street closures, public notifications, safety measures and street restoration once the primary work is complete.

Update for Tuesday, December 23:

Crews have reached a drilling depth of 850 feet and have verified with magnetic ranging equipment that they are parallel and next to the old pipe. They also encountered the oil and gas zone. Tonight, crews will insert and cement in a 7-inch steel “twin” well pipe (casing). With the new steel pipe in place, the situation is stabilized. Crews will shut down operations for Christmas for 36 hours, from December 24 at 7p.m to December 26 at 7a.m. On-site security will remain.

Crews will return on Friday, December 26, and will switch to daytime, 12-hour shifts to begin a significant demobilization, downsizing and equipment change effort. 

For previous updates visit: Marcus Avenue Oil Well Emergency Remediation: Ongoing Updates | City of Newport Beach