UIC Macpherson 62809023
Summary
SCH Number
2019090666
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
UIC Macpherson 62809023
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/26/2019
Present Land Use
Oil Field
Document Description
Macpherson Oil proposes to modify UIC project Pyramid Hill PAL # 62809023 to include Phase 7, which plans to convert up to 260 existing wells to Pyramid Hill Injectors. In addition to existing well conversions, Macpherson Oil plans to drill up to an additional 220 new vertical injection wells to fill gaps in well spacing. The project spans both Kern County and BLM lands.
For the portion of the project located in Kern County, DOGGR recognizes Kern County as the Lead Agency. Pursuant to the provisions of CEQA, an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was prepared and certified by the Lead Agency, Kern County Planning and Community Development Department, for the project “Revisions to the Kern County Zoning Ordinance – 2015 (C), Focus on Oil and Gas Local Permitting” (SCH# 2013081079). The EIR for the project was approved on November 9, 2015 and became effective on December 9, 2015. During the review and approval process for this project activity, DOGGR considered the environmental impacts of the project, as shown in the EIR prepared by the Lead Agency, and accepts the determinations made by the Lead Agency.
However, in permitting the whole of the project, DOGGR chose the role of Lead Agency, and as such, has prepared a Notice of Exemption which can apply to both Kern County and BLM lands.
Details on well locations can be found on the Division’s website at: http://www.conservation.ca.gov/dog/Pages/Wellfinder.aspx
Contact Information
Name
Meri A. Meraz
Agency Name
Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Agency Name
Macpherson Oil Company
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Location
Counties
Kern
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
PRC Sec. 21169, 14 CCR Sec. 15261(b)
Reasons for Exemption
15261(b) - Ongoing Project: The Division has determined that the project is statutorily exempt under the Ongoing Project (14 CCR 15261(b) exemption per the CEQA Guidelines because the Division identified the Round Mountain oil field and issued permits in this oil field pre-CEQA (prior to April 5, 1973). Additional permits issued in this developed area of the Round Mountain oil filed are considered part of an ongoing project and exempt from further CEQA reviews.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
14 CCR Sec. 15301; 1684.1
Reasons for Exemption
Class 1 – Existing Facility: The Division has determined that the project is categorically exempt from CEQA under the “Class 1” (14 CCR §15301) exemption per the CEQA Guidelines and per DOGGR’s regulations (14 CCR §1684.1) because the proposed activity involves converting up to 260 existing wells in an existing underground injection control project to produce oil.
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
15300.2
Reasons for Exemption
Exceptions to Exemptions: The Division further finds that there are no exceptions to the otherwise-applicable categorical exemptions (PRC §21084; 14 CCR 15300.2(c)). There is no substantial evidence that there are any “unusual circumstances” associated with the proposed project that create a reasonable possibility that the activity will have a significant effect on the environment, and that there is no significant “cumulative impacts” resulting from successive projects of the same type in the same place. Therefore, this project is not subject to CEQA.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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