391028_CREH_O&G
Summary
SCH Number
2024120581
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
391028_CREH_O&G
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
12/13/2024
Document Description
The primary work objective is to sidetrack one (1) existing well(s). This work is designed to support continuation of oil and gas resource development in the area. The wells are not being sidetracked (i) for abandonment purposes only or (ii) in connection with an enforcement order to mitigate or prevent environmental damage or surface expression.
Sidetracking is the process of drilling a new wellbore from an existing wellbore. This is typically done when the original wellbore encounters a problem, when accessing remaining hydrocarbons within portions of the same reservoir, or when obstructions in the wellbore need to be bypassed. This process allows drilling a new section in an existing wellbore in the same rock formation restoring the well’s original functionality.
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving 1 permit for California Resources Elk Hills, LLC to perform sidetrack work on the well listed below, in the Buena Vista Oil Field.
API #0403063396
Well Name 612-25B
Contact Information
Name
Catherine Calantas
Agency Name
Department of Conservation
Job Title
Office Technician
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Kern
Regions
Northern California
Township
31S
Range
23E
Section
25
Base
MD
Other Location Info
Buena Vista
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1, Existing Facilities (14 CCR §§ 15301, 1684.1)
Reasons for Exemption
The “Class 1” (14 CCR § 15301) exemption is applicable per the CEQA Guidelines and CalGEM’s regulations (14 CCR § 1684.1) because the proposed work consists of repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of an existing previously permitted well involving no expansion of former use. The Class includes, but is not limited to: remedial, maintenance, conversion, and abandonment work on oil, gas, injection, and geothermal wells. The well would maintain its existing well type and the use of the well would remain the same as before.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction (14 CCR § 15302)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 2 applies because it consists of “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[.]” Examples of Class 2 include, but are not limited to, “Replacement or reconstruction of existing utility systems and/or facilities involving negligible or no expansion of capacity.” The proposed project is the sidetrack, or replacement, of the existing wellbore which is needed to replace lost production. The sidetracked well will be located on the same site and would have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the well did before the sidetrack. Additionally, no additional construction will occur.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 4 exemption applies. The proposed project would be conducted entirely on an existing pad with enough space to contain all equipment. The project would not disturb any undisturbed areas. The proposed project is located within an industrial area. Therefore, the proposed project “consists of drilling operations that result in only minor alterations with negligible or no permanent effects to the existing condition of the land, water, air, and/or vegetation.” The sidetrack would not expand the facility.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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