537798_Group_PG&E_UGS
Summary
SCH Number
2025010946
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
537798_Group_PG&E_UGS
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
1/29/2025
Document Description
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) proposes to rework three existing gas storage wells in order to meet CalGEM Underground Gas Storage inspection and construction requirements as specified in 14 CCR § 1726. The proposed scope of work includes the following activities: retrieve existing tubing string and packer; retrieve production liner; perform casing integrity wireline surveys; replace existing wellhead; install new production liner and gravel pack; and install new tubing string and packer. The proposed project will require, at a minimum, the following equipment: workover rig (double); mud pumps; cuttings bin; blowout prevention equipment and accumulator; generator; fuel tank; fluid tanks; and light towers. The project is anticipated to last until November 2025. The wells will be returned to service as gas storage wells with no change or expansion of existing use.
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 reworks. No new permanent facilities will be constructed and no expansion to associated facilities or roadways will be required.
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 HazMats 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 permits for PG&E to rework the wells listed below, in the Los Medanos Gas Field in Contra Costa County.
API # Well Name
0401320138 Los Medanos 2-A
0401320307 Los Medanos 12-C
0401320115 Los Medanos 3-A
Contact Information
Name
Nicole Trezza
Agency Name
Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division
Job Title
CEQA Program Contractor
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Brian Wong
Agency Name
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Job Title
Agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Contra Costa
Regions
Countywide, Northern California, Statewide
Township
02N
Range
01W
Section
07
Base
MD
Other Location Info
Los Medanos Gas Field
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1: California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15301
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 perform maintenance on three existing gas storage wells by performing casing integrity surveys, replacing the wellhead, and installing a new production liner and 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. to enhance the safety of UGS projects. The wells would remain gas storage wells with substantially the same capacity. Therefore, the changes to the existing facilities would be negligible and would not expand the existing use.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2: California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15302
Reasons for Exemption
Class 2 applies because the reworks consist of 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[.]” (14 CCR § 15302.) The proposed project would replace the wellheads, production liner, tubing, and packers on three existing gas storage wells. Accordingly, the replacements would be located on the same site as the structures replaced. These replacements would maintain the integrity of the wells and meet CalGEM requirements under 14 CCR § 1726 et seq. to enhance the safety of UGS projects. The wells would be returned to service as gas storage wells with substantially the same capacity. Therefore, the proposed project consists of replacement or reconstruction and would not change the purpose or capacity of the wells.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4: California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15304
Reasons for Exemption
Class 4 applies because the reworks consist 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 three 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. There would be no new ground disturbance. Therefore, the proposed project would result in only minor alterations with negligible or no permanent effects to the existing condition of the land, water, air, and/or vegetation.
Exceptions to Exemptions: CalGEM further finds that there are no exceptions to the application of the categorical exemptions (PRC § 21084; 14 CCR § 15300.2) referenced above. For example, there is no substantial evidence that there are any “unusual circumstances” associated with the proposed project that create a reasonable possibility that the activity will have a significant effect on the environment, and that there are no significant “cumulative impacts” resulting from successive projects of the same type in the same place. Therefore, reliance on the exemptions is appropriate.
A copy of this NOE (as required by 14 CCR § 15062(a)) and all other related materials can be made available to the public by contacting the CalGEM CEQA Program, located at 715 P Street, MS 1803, Sacramento, CA 95814; by calling (916) 445-9686; or an electronic copy of these documents may be requested by contacting CEQA@conservation.ca.gov. The notice filed with the State Clearinghouse may be accessed online at: https://ceqanet.opr.ca.gov
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
Disclaimer: The Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) accepts no responsibility for the content or accessibility of these documents. To obtain an attachment in a different format, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. For more information, please visit LCI’s Accessibility Site.