NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (KABC) — A quiet Newport Beach neighborhood has turned into a 24\/7 construction zone. Workers are trying to repair a 1920s-era abandoned oil well that’s been leaking oil and methane gas.<\/p>\n
Smack dab in the middle of one of Newport Beach’s most desirable locations is a soaring drill rig.<\/p>\n
For the next several weeks, crews will be working around the clock, drilling, digging and prepping to repair a significant oil leak coming from an old well dating back to the 1920s underneath a family’s home.<\/p>\n
The special drill that was installed will be drilling about 800 feet deep into the Earth to repair the abandoned well.<\/p>\n
Police are warning residents that they should expect noise around the clock for the next 10 days.<\/p>\n
“Well, we know it needs to be done. It goes on all night, and that’s what has to be done,” said neighbor Paul Dolkas.<\/p>\n
“I was sleeping more on the front of the house last night, and the bright lights 24\/7, it’s a bit of a hum. So crazy,” said Peggy Slonkosky.<\/p>\n
“There’s always a commotion over there,” neighbor Jeff Parker said.<\/p>\n
In images from Parker’s home, it appears the rig is his new night light.<\/p>\n
“It’s a beautiful island, a beautiful place. I hope they get finished with what they are doing soon,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Truthfully, it hasn’t been that bad. It’s not any noisier than July 4th, or the houses that are under construction in the area,” said neighbor Wyatt Fogoia.<\/p>\n
“It sounds like they caught it pretty early. They took the appropriate measures. There’s been a lot of police presence and fire trucks, so I think they are definitely approaching it with caution,” Bella Crane said.<\/p>\n
The extensive work also means a large section of Marcus Avenue is blocked off, forcing neighbors to navigate detours and limited street parking.<\/p>\n