UIC Berry 042024-001
Summary
SCH Number
2024061312
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
UIC Berry 042024-001
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/28/2024
Document Description
The proposed project consists of repairing the casing of an existing cyclic steam injection well by running an inner liner and performing cement squeeze. The proposed project is estimated to take 5 days once work has begun. The project will utilize a workover rig, and various temporary support equipment that includes delivery trucks, backhoes, and pickup trucks. The well pad will be able to accommodate all associated equipment and operations, including personnel parking. No production facilities and no new ground surface disturbance will be associated with the rework.
The NOI initially proposed reworking 4 wells. Of the 4 wells, 3 wells were determined to have integrity issues that required swift action for the protection of public health, safety, and the environment. For safety reasons, those wells received an expedited review and have been exempted.
CalGEM has approved permits for Berry Petroleum Company, LLC to rework the cyclic steam injection well listed below, in the McKittrick oil field.
API #: 0403065518
Well Name: Unspecified G-11
Contact Information
Name
Mikayla Vaba
Agency Name
Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division
Job Title
Environmental Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Kern
Regions
Southern California
Township
30S
Range
22E
Section
21
Base
MD
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1, Existing Facilities (14 CCR §§ 15301, 1684.1)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is categorically exempt from CEQA under the “Class 1” (14 CCR §§ 15301, 1684.1) exemption per the CEQA Guidelines because the project is maintenance and a minor alteration that would not expand the existing use of the well. Class 1 consists of the “operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alterations” of existing structures involving “negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing previously.” The project involves repairing the casing on an existing injection well and performing cement squeeze in order to continue resource development. This maintenance is necessary to avoid the potential migration of fluids. A CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed operations would be a continuation of operations within the confines of UIC project 454-03-005. The well is and would remain an injection well with substantially the same capacity.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction (14 CCR § 15302)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is categorically exempt from CEQA under the “Class 2” (14 CCR § 15302) exemption per the CEQA Guidelines because the project is replacement or reconstruction of the casing on an existing injection well which would be located on the same site and would not change the purpose or capacity of the well. Class 2 applies to the “replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced.” The project involves repairing the casing on an existing injection well by running an inner liner or performing cement squeeze as needed. The project would not involve the expansion of existing facilities or the construction of new facilities as the project is located on an existing well pad that is large enough to accommodate necessary equipment and can be accessed by existing roads. This rework is maintenance that would avoid the potential migration of fluids and would not change the purpose or capacity of the well. A CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed operations would be a continuation of operations within the confines of UIC project 454-03-005. The well is and would remain an injection well with substantially the same capacity.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is categorically exempt from CEQA under the “Class 4” (14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2) exemption per the CEQA Guidelines because the project is a minor alteration to the well casing that will have a negligible effect on the surrounding environment. Class 4 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 project involves repairing the casing on an existing injection well by running an inner liner or performing cement squeeze as needed, due to potential migration of fluids out of zone, to maintain the well and continue resource development. The project is a minor alteration and would not involve the expansion of existing facilities or the construction of new facilities as the project is located on an existing well pad that is large enough to accommodate necessary equipment and can be accessed by existing roads. As such, there are negligible or no temporary or permanent surface disturbance related activities that could potentially impact the existing condition of the land, water, air, and/or vegetation.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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