653706_Chevron_O&G_UIC
Summary
SCH Number
2025020737
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
653706_Chevron_O&G_UIC
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/21/2025
Document Description
Chevron proposes to rework 1 existing well in the existing and developed Coalinga Oil field to continue oil and gas resource development. Work will include conducting a casing integrity test followed by potentially setting a bridge plug, cutting off damaged casing, welding on new casing, testing blowout prevention unit, changing out the wellhead, performing a tieback, and/or removing a retrievable bridge plug. Well will be within the existing completion zone operating as an oil and gas producer. Water used during the rework operations will be metered, reclaimed produced water, approximately 800 barrels, for each well. The work will not increase the depth of the well.
Temporary equipment such as pumps and return bins may be utilized. Various mobile, temporary equipment will also be used including, but not limited to, backhoe, crane and rework rig, and vehicles to transport personnel and material to/from the site. No new production facilities or new ground disturbance will take place. All equipment will be staged within the project boundary on existing well pads and access roads. Any waste materials will be properly disposed of in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. The well is located within an active oil field.
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving 1 permit(s) for Chevron U.S.A. Inc. (C5640) to rework the well(s) listed below, in the Coalinga Oil Field.
API 0401925591
Well Name H7-9JV
Contact Information
Name
Mila Galevski
Agency Name
Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division
Job Title
Staff Service Analyst
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Tammy Bellman
Agency Name
Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
Job Title
Agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Fresno
Regions
Southern California
Township
20S
Range
14E
Section
25
Other Location Info
Coalinga Oil Field
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1, 14 CCR §§ 15301, 1684.1
Reasons for Exemption
The project is categorically exempt from CEQA under the “Class 1” (14 CCR § 15301) exemption per the CEQA Guidelines because the proposed project is a repair or minor alteration of existing facilities and will not involve an expansion of use of the oil field, and therefore is exempt from the need for full CEQA review. Additionally, in accordance with 14 CCR § 1684.1, the Class 1 exemption consists of operation, repair, maintenance, minor alternation of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing previously. The proposed work consists of altering the existing casing of an existing wellbore in order to return the well back to oil and gas production, its intended use. Additionally, a CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed work would be a continuation of operations within UIC Project 15000035, as permitted by the project approval letter (PAL).
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, 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.” The proposed work will be done on an existing wellbore, located on an existing well pad. Additionally, a CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed work would be a continuation of operations within UIC Project 15000035, as permitted by the PAL.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4, 14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2
Reasons for Exemption
Class 4 exemption applies. 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.”) 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 active oil field. The rework would not expand the facilities.
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.