High Methane Levels Found Near Homes
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NEWPORT COAST — Dangerous levels of methane gas have seeped underground from a landfill near a new coastal housing development, raising concerns among residents and prompting assurances from Orange County officials that the area is safe.
The gas was created by decomposing trash at the 300-acre Coyote Canyon landfill, officials said Tuesday. It has delayed construction of 14 homes in the Irvine Co.’s Rivage development, a Southern California version of French country cottages that sell for up to $1 million.
The landfill has been closed since 1990. County health officials ordered a cleanup June 1.
In October, county records showed that methane was detected at 42 underground locations adjacent to the 33 existing Rivage homes. Some of the pockets were as far away as 600 feet; others were just across the street.
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