583826_Chevron_Rework_UIC
Summary
SCH Number
2025010057
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
583826_Chevron_Rework_UIC
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
1/3/2025
Document Description
Rework to repair an existing steam flood well by adding perforation from 932’ to 972’ in current completion zone. Before performing the work, the operator will conduct a pressure test to determine whether there is casing damage. If the test fails, the operator will fix the casing damage as described in the application materials.
Contact Information
Name
Char'Mane Robinson
Agency Name
Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division
Job Title
Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Counties
Kern
Regions
Northern California
Township
29S
Range
28E
Section
09
Base
MD
Other Location Info
35.42287064 / -118.98074341
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 applies to the fixing of the casing and rework. 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.) This rework involves repairing any damage discovered by the pressure test consistent with the descriptions of the repair work in the application and adding perforations to an existing well within the same completion interval to return it to operation. This proposed Project is a rework that will maintain an existing level of service and operations. The well will return to the same operations as historical operations, which is production. This rework will use temporary equipment, such as a workover rig, confirmed to fit within the existing wellpad. This proposed Project is a minor alteration involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond previously existing. CalGEM engineer has confirmed the use of the well and capacity of the operation is limited by the existing permits for UIC project code 340-00-013 and the engineering summary indicates the proposed work is within the scope of those approvals.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction (14 CCR § 15302)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 2 applies because the rework and any other work to repair the casing of the well could be considered “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 rework involves replacing perforations by adding perforations within the same interval as used previously to return to operation. Any damage to the casing discovered by the pressure test would involve reconstruction as described in the application. This will maintain the well's existing level of service and operations and return it to its historical operations. CalGEM engineer has reviewed the existing UIC permit 340-00-013 and confirmed that the proposed work is within the scope of the UIC project, and the use of the well and its capacity are limited by the existing permit.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 4 applies to the rework and any repairs based on a failed casting test. Class 4 “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 proposed work is located within an industrial area with actively permitted oil and gas operations. Kern River Oilfield is a densely developed, existing oil field with ongoing surface maintenance. The proposed work does not include any changes to the surface or new grading. The proposed rework is intended to maintain the current level of service without expanding the facility. All rework activities and temporary equipment will be contained within the existing wellpad, so there will be no new ground disturbances. There will be no changes to the surface as part of the proposed work, and no new grading will occur.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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