579664_Thompson_OG
Summary
SCH Number
2024110500
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
579664_Thompson_OG
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
11/15/2024
Document Description
CalGEM detected a methane leak at the Ojai 39 well on January 23, 2024. Following detection of the leak, CalGEM issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the operator of the well on February 1, 2024. The permitted activity consists of performing a cement squeeze to repair the well and address the leak. The proposed rework program involves setting a packer below the surface casing shoe and performing a cement squeeze job to properly isolate the formation behind the surface casing to stop gas migration and leaking to the surface.
The well is located on an existing dirt pad. Any disturbed surface area will be cleaned and graded to a like condition prior to this project. There are no Tanks on pad. Any other surface equipment on the pad will not be disturbed. There is no surface piping connected to this well. Project duration is approximately 4 days. Temporary equipment such as pumps and return bins will be needed. No permanent facilities will be constructed. No expansion of associated facilities will be required. Waste materials will be manifested and transported by a properly placarded vehicle to a State of California licensed disposal facility as non-hazardous or hazardous waste, as appropriate. No water will be used for this abandonment project.
The leak is described in the project file as methane at about 10,000 ppm. The Ojai 39 well is designated as a critical well, with the closest sensitive receptor approximately 300 feet from the wellhead.
The permitted activity consists of CalGEM approving one permit to rework the oil and gas well listed below.
API # 0411100952
Well Name: Ojai 39
Contact Information
Name
Mikayla Vaba
Agency Name
Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division
Job Title
Environmental Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Ventura
Regions
Southern California
Township
04N
Range
22W
Section
12
Base
SB
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Emergency Project (PRC § 21080(b)(4); 14 CCR § 15269(c))
Reasons for Exemption
As the CEQA lead agency for the permitted activity, CalGEM has determined that the permitted activity is exempt from further environmental review requirements of CEQA, pursuant to the statutory exemption: Emergency Project (PRC § 21080(b)(4); 14 CCR § 15269(c).) because the well is designated as a critical well, leaking methane at about 10,000 ppm, and within 300 feet of a sensitive receptor. Therefore, immediate action is necessary to prevent or respond to a threat to public health, safety, or the environment.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1, Existing Facilities (14 CCR §§ 15301, 1684.1)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 1 applies to the permitted activity. Class 1 consists of the “operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration” of existing facilities involving “negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing previously.” (§ 1684.1.) The project involves the maintenance and repair of a production well and does not include modifications or changes to an existing use. The permitted activity involves performing a cement squeeze on the well to seal the casing and stop the leak. The operator indicates that no permanent facilities would be constructed, and the project would not involve any new ground surface disturbance, including no new roads or other corridors. Therefore, there is no expansion of use beyond that previously existing.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction (14 CCR § 15302)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 2 applies to the permitted activity. Class 2 includes 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.” This is a rework that involves performing a cement squeeze on the well to seal the casing and stop the leak and does not propose changes to the structure of the well (the wellbore). The location of the well would not change, nor would the underground structure of the well (the wellbore), nor would the purpose of the well, which is production.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 7 & 8 Protection of Natural Resources and the Environment (14 CCR §§ 15307, 15308)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 7 and 8 also apply to the permitted activity. Class 7 and Class 8 include actions taken by regulatory agencies as authorized by law to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of a natural resource or the environment where the regulatory process involves procedures for the protection of the environment.” As demonstrated in the record, including the NOV, this well presents a safety concern that may increase the risk for adverse impacts to the environment or natural resources in the area due to the leaking well. CalGEM has statutory and regulatory authority to protect natural resources and the environment. Addressing the NOV and reworking this well will ensure that potential impacts to natural resources and the environment from compliance issues associated with the well are minimized, and the approval for the rework will also include conditions that protect natural resources and the environment. Therefore, as demonstrated in the permitted activity file description of the well rework operations, which include a cement squeeze job, the rework would assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, and/or protection of a natural resource and the environment.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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