Marcus Avenue Oil Well Emergency Remediation: Ongoing Updates

 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 newportbeachca.gov/marcusoil will serve as the central source for the latest, verified information related to the remediation effort.

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 Friday, January 2, 2026: 

Crews successfully finished sealing the source of the oil. This was accomplished by cementing both the old and new oil pipes (casings). The flow of oil to the surface level of the home has stopped. Crews will continue to monitor it. 

The smaller work-over rig will move out on Saturday as well as most equipment. No work is planned for Sunday. Over the next five weekdays (with daytime operations and depending on rain), crews will clean up the area and remove the neighborhood fencing along 36th Street. Normal parking and street sweeping operations for the neighborhood will return to normal the week of January 12. 

Update for Monday, December 29, 2025:

Crews successfully moved out the massive drill rig, generators, material separators and associated equipment on Sunday.  A smaller work-over rig has arrived today and is being put into position. Over the next five days (with daytime operations), crews will complete the final stages of the oil well capping, perforating, cementing and sealing the old oil well pipe. Most neighborhood fencing along Marcus will be removed by Tuesday Dec. 30. 

Update for Friday, December 26, 2025:

Crews successfully placed cemented-in a 7-inch steel “twin” well pipe (casing) by the early morning hours of Wednesday Dec. 24 and shut down operations on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Over the weekend, the crews will dismantle the drill rig and associated equipment. 

Update for Tuesday, December 23, 2025:

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 shutdown operations for Christmas for 36-hours, Dec 24 7p.m. to Dec. 26 7a.m.  (on-site security will remain)

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

Update for Monday, December 22, 2025:

Crews have reached a drilling depth of 780 feet and have verified with magnetic ranging equipment that they are parallel and next to the old pipe. Crews are now proceeding to drill down to 850 feet.  Planned operations for Tuesday and Wednesday Dec 23 & 24 are the inserting of the twin well pipe (casing) and cementing it in place. 

Update for Sunday, December 21, 2025:

Crews have reached a drilling depth of 680 feet and have verified with magnetic ranging equipment that they are parallel and next to the old pipe. Crews are now drilling down to 780 feet and then will perform magnetic ranging again. 

Update for Saturday, December 20, 2025:

The State (CalGem) has developed a new operational plan. A graphic is being developed and will be posted as soon as it is available. The revised plan is to drill and install a parallel pipe right next to the old oil original oil to a dept of 850-feet deep. The contractor will then punch holes and perforations from the twin pipe into the old oil pipe. Cement will then be squeezed into both pipes to create a seal and barrier to cut off the oil source.

Update for Friday, December 19, 2025:

The State-led emergency remediation project to cap an abandoned oil well near Marcus Avenue and 36th Street is taking longer than initially anticipated due to unforeseen technical challenges encountered during drilling.

Officials from the California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) had previously hoped the work could be completed before Christmas. However, they have informed the City that because of complications involving underground infrastructure, the emergency project will extend beyond that target date, likely an additional two weeks.

The operation was successful in locating the underground pipe associated with the historic oil well at 500 feet deep. However, over the last six days, crews have been unable to drill into the pipe, which is a necessary step before plugging and sealing the well. Crews have tried several different drilling methods and drill bits but have not been able to successfully penetrate the cast-iron pipe. The State and contractor are now evaluating additional techniques, including a parallel well, breaching the pipe, and additional cement injection.

“While this delay is frustrating for everyone involved, permanently sealing the well at its source is critical to protecting public safety and preventing future hazards,” said City Utilities Director Mark Vukojevic.

The abandoned oil well, which dates back to the 1920s, has released crude oil and methane gas beneath the neighborhood. A home at 3606 Marcus Ave. was red-tagged due to oil intrusion and the presence of methane gas.

The City recognizes the hardship this emergency work has placed on the neighborhood and continues to communicate directly with affected residents as conditions evolve.

The remediation is being performed 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.