Efforts to cap an abandoned oil well in Newport Beach that was expected to be completed before Christmas likely will take two weeks longer than expected, a city spokesman said Friday.
California Geologic Energy Management Division officials had hoped to get the work done before the holiday, city spokesman John Pope said. But there have been unexpected complications with underground infrastructure that may add two more weeks to the work schedule near Marcus Avenue and 36th Street, Pope said.
Workers have found an underground pipe linked to a the well 500 feet deep, but over the last six days they have been unable to drill into the pipe, which they need to do before plugging and sealing the well, according to Pope.
The workers have tried various drilling methods with different drill bits but have been unable to penetrate the cast-iron pipe, Pope said.
The state officials and contractor are considering alternatives such as a parallel well, breaching the pipe and trying injecting more cement into it.
“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,” City Utilities Director Mark Vukojevic said.
The abandoned oil well dates back to the 1920s and has been the source of crude oil and methane gas leaks. Officials red-tagged a home at 3606 Marcus Ave. because of it.