590717_Group_Berry_UIC
Summary
SCH Number
2025020351
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
590717_Group_Berry_UIC
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/11/2025
Document Description
The proposed project rework eight wells waterflood injection wells to continue resource development. Rework operations include performing a Standard Annulus Pressure Test (SAPT) on the wells. If casing is damaged, it will be remediated by welding a sleeve over damaged sections, cement squeeze, or replacement, with a contingency to sidetrack. The proposed project is estimated to take 40 days per well once work has begun. The total project footprint for each well in this project is estimated to be less than 0.5 acres. The project will utilize a workover rig, and various temporary support equipment that include delivery trucks, backhoes, and pickup trucks. The well pad will be able to accommodate all associated equipment and operations, including personnel parking. The rig will then conduct day-light operations until work is completed. The rig operations and equipment will then be demobilized and removed from the site. No production facilities and no new ground surface disturbance will be associated with the reworks.
The grouping initially proposed reworking eight wells. Five of the wells were determined to have integrity issues that required swift action for the protection of public health, safety, and the environment and received expedited review. The work was approved with a prior exemption and the optional NOE was not filed. The scope of this review is the rework of the remaining three wells from the initial grouping. The previously reviewed wells are listed below.
API # Well Name
0403041651 Hill 622CW
0402978100 Hill 244F
0402978120 Hill 244JW
0403001559 Hill 462W
0403047788 Hill 663CW
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving three permit(s) for Berry Petroleum Company, LLC to rework the wells listed below, in the South Belridge Oil Field.
API # Well Name
0403044506 Hill 621EW
0402977997 Hill 231J
0402977756 Hill 242W
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
Name
Ryan Nelson
Agency Name
Berry Petroleum Company, LLC
Job Title
Agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Kern
Regions
Southern California
Township
28S
Range
21E
Section
19
Base
MD
Other Location Info
South Belridge Oil 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 make minor alterations to three existing injection wells by pressure testing and remediating the casing as necessary. Remediation may include welding a sleeve over damaged sections, cement squeeze, or replacement of the casing. This work would be done to maintain the integrity of the casing and would not change the existing use of the wells. The wells would remain injection wells with substantially the same capacity. Additionally, a CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed work would be a continuation of operations within UIC Project 05200023, as permitted by the project approval letter (PAL).
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, Replacement and 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 make minor alterations to three existing injection wells by pressure testing and remediating the casing as necessary. Remediation may include welding a sleeve over damaged sections, cement squeeze, or replacement of the casing. This work would be done on the existing wellbores, which are located on existing well pads. The proposed work is maintenance meant to maintain the integrity of the casing and would not change the existing use of the wells. Additionally, a CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed work would be a continuation of operations within UIC Project 05200023, as permitted by the PAL.
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 three existing injection wells, which would result in negligible effects to the existing environment. The wells are located on existing well pads that are large enough to accommodate the necessary equipment and can be accessed by existing roads. There would be no construction of new facilities or expansion of existing facilities. Therefore, the project would not result in any surface disturbance that could impact the existing condition of the surrounding environment.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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