65022_Termo_UIC
Summary
SCH Number
2025030163
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
65022_Termo_UIC
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/5/2025
Document Description
Proposed rework operations include removing existing downhole equipment and tubing for injection activities, setting a bridge plug below known casing holes and squeezing cement behind the host/production casing to remediate the holes.
The Termo Company States: Termo is proposing to repair the Sence 19 water injector well casing and return the well to production. This work requires the deployment and use of a portable, diesel powered work-over rig, site visitation by personnel and the delivery and use of outside services, equipment, and inputs. All work will occur during the hours of 7 am and 7 pm. No permanent facilities will be constructed. No expansion of associated facilities will be required.
The rework is needed to complete injection well repair operations to prevent a potential threat to public health, safety, or the environment by repairing the casing so the well does not create a conduit to potential freshwater zone(s) above the injection zone. If the well is not promptly repaired, it has the potential to act as a conduit for hydrocarbon contaminated wastewater from the injection zone to shallower potential freshwater zone(s).
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving 1 permit for Termo to rework the well listed below, in the South Mountain Oil Field.
API # 04-111-01366
Well Name Sence 19
Contact Information
Name
Amir Mohseni
Agency Name
CalGEM
Job Title
SOGE
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Bill Buss
Agency Name
The Termo Company
Job Title
Agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Ventura
Regions
Southern California
Township
03N
Range
20W
Section
30
Base
SB
Other Location Info
South Mountain Oilfield
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1, Existing Facilities (14 CCR §§ 15301, 1684.1),
Reasons for Exemption
The “Class 1” (14 CCR § 15301) exemption is applicable per the CEQA Guidelines and CalGEM’s regulations (14 CCR § 1684.1) because the proposed work consists of repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of an existing previously permitted well involving no expansion of former use. The Class includes, but is not limited to: remedial, maintenance, conversion, and abandonment work on oil, gas, injection, and geothermal wells. The well would maintain its existing well type and the use of the well would remain the same as before.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction (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[.]” Examples of Class 2 include, but are not limited to, “Replacement or reconstruction of existing utility systems and/or facilities involving negligible or no expansion of capacity.” The proposed project is the rework, or replacement, of the existing wellbore which is needed to remediate the known casing holes and prevent migration of fluids. The rework will be on the same site and would have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the well did before the rework. Additionally, no additional construction will occur.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2):
Reasons for Exemption
Class 4 exemption applies. 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 industrial area. Therefore, the proposed project “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 rework would not expand the facility.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Classes 7 and 8, Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources and the Environment (14 CCR §§ 15307
Reasons for Exemption
Class 7 and Class 8 exemptions apply. The exemptions are for actions taken by regulatory agencies as authorized by law to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of a natural resource or the environment where the regulatory process involves procedures for the protection of the environment.” As demonstrated in the record, the proposed project involves remedial/rework operations to address well integrity issues that requires swift action for protection of a natural resource and the environment.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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