A Century-Old Leaking Abandoned Oil Well in Newport Beach, California, Among Expensive Waterfront Homes, is Being Plugged in a Tricky Operation

     Old abandoned oil & gas wells can be very problematic if they are leaking and they are in an area where such a situation will be a concern. Such is the case in a block among ritzy expensive waterfront homes in Newport Beach, California, where a century-old oil well is leaking both oil and gas. Seeps of thick oil occurred in one home, and two $5 million homes may have to be torn down. The well currently has a rig atop it, attempting to plug the leaking well. The rig moved in on December 6 and is attempting to plug the well with the aid of a special kind of cement. The plugging of the roughly 1000 ft well is expected to take ten days and to be fully completed by Christmas, although plugging leaking wells can have complications.

“Newport Beach Police Department is working closely with the contractor, Newport Beach Fire Department, Public Works, and City officials to ensure safety and clear communication throughout the operation.”

   The state’s orphan well program is funding the plugging job. The well was originally drilled in 1924, then capped in 1929 after the oil was found to be too thick to produce. 

   

   

References:

 

Gorgeous waterfront homes in Newport Beach set to be torn down after abandoned oil started leaking. Jack Toledo, Daily Mail. December 9, 2025. Gorgeous waterfront homes in Newport Beach set to be torn down after abandoned oil started leaking