604201_Group_PG&E_UGS
Summary
SCH Number
2024121094
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
604201_Group_PG&E_UGS
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
12/23/2024
Document Description
The proposed project would rework four gas storage wells by assessing the casing integrity, replacing the existing wellhead, installing a new production liner and gravel pack, and installing a new tubing string and packer. This work would be done in compliance with CalGEM regulations (14 CCR § 1726 et seq.) to enhance the safety of underground gas storage (UGS) projects. All equipment will be staged and operated within the existing facility footprint and existing roadways will be used for access. This includes all ancillary equipment which may be required such as pump trucks, vac trucks, and casing storage. No new surface construction activities are planned with the rework. No new permanent facilities will be constructed and no expansion to associated facilities or roadways will be required. The project is anticipated to last from March to November 2025. The wells will be returned to service as gas storage wells with no change or expansion of existing use. Waste material will be properly disposed of as non-hazardous or hazardous waste at a facility licensed to accept the waste. Secondary containment will be utilized for liquid HazMat's and workover fluids. No erosion controls will be required as these sites are all graveled. Water will be applied as mitigation for dust suppression from vehicle traffic.
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving four permit(s) for Pacific Gas and Electric Company to rework the wells listed below, in the McDonald Island Gas Field.
API # Well Name
0407720544 Whiskey Slough 1A-W
0407720173 Whiskey Slough 3-E
0407720258 Turner Cut 17-S
0407720218 Turner Cut 1-S
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
San Joaquin
Regions
Northern California
Township
02N
Range
04E
Section
25
Base
MD
Other Location Info
McDonald Island Gas Field
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1, Existing Facilities (14 CCR §§ 15301, 1684.1)
Reasons for Exemption
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.” (14 CCR §§ 15301, 1684.1.) The proposed project would rework four existing gas storage wells by assessing the casing integrity, replacing the wellhead, and installing new tubing and packers. This work would be done to maintain the integrity of the wells and comply with CalGEM requirements under 14 CCR § 1726 et seq. The wells would remain gas storage wells with substantially the same capacity.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction (14 CCR § 15302):
Reasons for Exemption
Class 2 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[.]” (14 CCR § 15302.) The proposed project would replace the wellheads, tubing, and packers on four existing gas storage wells. These replacements would maintain the integrity of the wells and meet CalGEM requirements under 14 CCR § 1726 et seq. The wells would be returned to service as gas storage wells 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
Class 4 consists of “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.” (14 CCR § 1684.2; see also 14 CCR § 15304.) The proposed project would rework four existing wells, which are located on two well pads that can accommodate the necessary equipment and can be accessed by existing roads. The project would not require the expansion of existing facilities or the construction of new facilities. Therefore, the project would not result in any surface disturbance that would significantly impact the surrounding environment.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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