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Newport Beach homes evacuated because of methane gas leak
Newport Beach officials issued evacuation orders for some Balboa Peninsula residents. Seen here, the ferry that moves cars and pedestrians between the peninsula and Balboa Island.
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Allen J. Schaben
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Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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Topline:
Newport Beach officials issued evacuation orders for some Balboa Peninsula residents after methane gas was found seeping from an abandoned private oil well.
What we know so far: The city declared a local emergency. Fire and public safety crews plan to release the methane gas, the city said in a news release. The leak was detected in a residential area on Marcus Avenue. The neighborhood borders a narrow channel of Newport Harbor.
Public safety: “Our top priority is the safety of residents and our neighborhoods,” city manager Grace Leung said in a statement. “We are taking swift action to protect the public while closely assessing the situation and coordinating with partner agencies.”
What’s next: Newport Beach is working to learn more about the leak and magnitude of the seepage.
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