Berry 102023-003-Multi
Summary
SCH Number
2024060093
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
Berry 102023-003-Multi
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/5/2024
Document Description
The originally approved project consists of reworking two existing wells for continued production by making selective perforations in the Sub-LakeView reservoir and Lower Tulare reservoir and conducting Step Rate Tests. Water will be purchased from West Kern Water District for 8,400 gals per well site. Drilling fluid and cuttings will be discharged into permitted surface impoundments. Equipment to conduct rework operations will use existing oilfield roads and will be deployed for rework operations on existing oilfield pads, with no new surface disturbance. The wells will be returned to production after being idle.
CalGEM has approved permits for Berry Petroleum Company, LLC?to rework the oil and gas wells listed below, in the Midway-Sunset oilfield.
AP I#: 0403006022
Well Name: Section 36 21
API #: 0403021399
Well Name: SEC31D32
Contact Information
Name
Renee Hu
Agency Name
Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division
Job Title
Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Kern
Regions
Northern California
Township
32S
Range
24E
Section
31
Base
MD
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CCR Title 14, section 15301
Reasons for Exemption
Class 1 – Existing Facilities (14 CCR §§ 15301, 1684.1): Class 1 exemption applies as CalGEM’s regulations state: “Class 1 consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing previously. The Class includes, but is not limited to: remedial, maintenance, conversion, and abandonment work on oil, gas, injection, and geothermal wells…”. This rework can be considered maintenance of the wells in order to ensure continued operation by replacing existing, similar equipment (perforations, etc.). Specifically, the purpose of the rework is to conduct maintenance to ensure continued operations by conducting selective perforations and Step Rate Tests. The rework constitutes minor alterations to existing wells and does not propose any changes to the wellbore or structure of the wells. Equipment to conduct the rework operations will use existing roads and will be deployed on existing oilfield pads, with no new surface disturbance. Once the rework is completed the wells will return to service for oil and gas operation. Therefore, there is only negligible or no expansion of existing use beyond that existing.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CCR Title 14, section 15304
Reasons for Exemption
Class 4 – Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2): Class 4 exemption applies to “drilling operations that result only in minor alterations with negligible or no permanent effects to the existing condition of the land, water, air, and/or vegetation”. The proposed project involves minor alterations, such as selective perforations and Step Rate Tests, on two existing wells conducted entirely on existing pads with enough space to contain all equipment. The project does not involve the construction of permanent facilities, the expansion of existing facilities, or the disturbance of ground surface. The proposed project is located within an industrial area and the operator will utilize existing roads, powerlines, and production
infrastructure.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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