Week in Review : MAJOR EVENTS, IMAGES AND PEOPLE IN ORANGE COUNTY NEWS : CITIES : 3 Cities Face Hazardous Gas Pockets, State Says

A state study has identified three pockets of methane gas in Orange County that pose potentially explosive hazards. The concentrations in Newport Beach, Huntington Beach and Brea were identified in addition to areas in Los Angeles and Santa Fe Springs.

“Each of these communities faces at least some danger of a tragedy similar to the one which hit the Fairfax community in my district last year,” said state Sen. David Roberti (D-Los Angeles), who introduced legislation calling for a $350,000 study of the problem.

Newport Beach Fire Chief Jim Reed said the one area of concern in his city--a spot near 35th Street and Marcus Avenue--has been leaking methane gas “for as long as I can remember--and I’ve lived here all my life.” Methane seeping through the cracks in the sidewalk can be lighted, he said. Residents put pipes into the ground and light the ends for torches, he said.

Unlike Newport, Huntington Beach discovered its seeping methane only a few months ago, said Huntington Beach Fire Chief Ray Picard. Two leaks were discovered under the pavement on Kite Drive and Bermuda Drive in the city’s eastern section by Southern California Gas Co., he said.

Roberti suggested that local officials could use information in the report to warn residents and businesses in affected areas to be sure that basements are well ventilated or else that monitoring equipment be installed.