Abandoned Well Methane Gas Leak in Hawthorne, California

Abandoned Water Well Methane Gas Leak Near Capped Oil Wells

Black Dots are Abandoned Oil Wells From Doggr Database 

Crews Monday capped a well leaking methane gas in the South Bay that has forced dozens of residents out of their homes.  The oil industry calls this a "blow out".

Golden State Water workers were capping the well, located on Imperial Highway in Hawthorne, last Thursday when they suddenly experienced an unexpected outflow of water mixed with the gas, the company said.

Nearly 40 families in the area surrounding the well have been evacuated and put up at local hotels due to the gas’ high flammability. “When are we gonna be back? How safe is it? It’s scary because I have a 2-year-old,” one resident said.

The Glenn Anderson (105) Freeway between Crenshaw Boulevard and the San Diego (405) Freeway as well as the transition roads from the 405 to the eastbound 105 were shut down for a short time, according to the California Highway Patrol. All roads were reopened by 11:20 a.m.

 Fire officials said the colorless and odorless gas also has the potential so ignite flash fires. 

The water stopped spouting around 11 a.m. after crews pumped mud into the well.

It will eventually be covered with concrete. It was unclear when families would be allowed to return to their homes.  

Methane Alarm Playa Vista

No one in the South Bay wants to have Methane alarms attached to the homes.  This would be the sad reality if we started drilling for oil again in the South Bay.

Related Articles:
Over a 30 Year Period 50% of Well Casings Fail
Mira Costa High School Plugged Oil Wells at Risk of an Explosion
Slant Oil Drilling Cannot Be Done Safely Near Abandoned Oil Wells
Capped Oil Wells Beneath Homes & Ocean Can Blowout

Power Run Oil Company in Torrance Has a Dismal History of Compliance, Noise & Oil Spill

Map of Power Run Oil Company Wells in Torrance

Slide Presentation from Neighbors Appealing to City Council to Enforce Rules

These wells are still active less than 1 mile from Hermosa Beach and just another example of why you don't want an oil company as your neighbor.  Keep in mind these wells have been in operation since 1978 so the people moving here chose to live near these areas.  

Power Run Oil had a spill in 2002 that took 3 years to mitigate the odor.  See the full presentation from the Torrance, Granicus.  I find it also interesting that if you look on Zillow the homes near the oil sites worth 20% less than others in the neighborhood.  How much is the City of Torrance and the schools benefiting from this oil operation?