636598_SoCalGas_UGS
Summary
SCH Number
2025030729
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
636598_SoCalGas_UGS
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/18/2025
Document Description
The proposed project would rework an existing gas storage well to inspect the well integrity and remediate identified conditions as part of the Storage Integrity Management Program (SIMP). The proposed work includes pulling completion equipment and liner, cleaning the wellbore, sectioning mill production zone, performing critical zone remediation if applicable, running and cementing new inner string, installing production liner with gravel pack, running SIMP inspections and tests, and running new completion tubing flow. Temporary equipment such as a mud pump and returns bins will be utilized. No permanent facilities will be constructed during the process and no expansion of associated facilities will be required. All waste material, including brine kill fluid, will be properly disposed of as non-hazardous or hazardous waste, as appropriate, at a facility licensed to accept the waste.
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving one permit for SoCalGas to rework the well listed below, in the Aliso Canyon Gas Field.
API # Well Name
0403724236 Porter 69K
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
Thomas McMahon
Agency Name
Southern California Gas Company
Job Title
Agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Southern California
Township
03N
Range
16W
Section
28
Base
SB
Other Location Info
Aliso Canyon Gas 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.” This includes “remedial, maintenance, conversion, and abandonment work on oil, gas, injection, and geothermal wells involving the alteration of well casing, such as perforating and casing repair, removal, or replacement; installation or removal of downhole production or injection equipment, cement plugs, bridge plugs, and packers set to isolate production or injection intervals.” (14 CCR § 1684.1.) The proposed project involves remedial maintenance work on an existing gas storage well including pulling completion equipment and liner, cleaning the wellbore, sectioning mill production, running and cementing a new inner string, installing a production liner with gravel pack, running inspections and tests, and running new completion tubing flow. This work is meant to remediate the well and maintain integrity. The well would remain a gas storage well with substantially the same capacity. Therefore, there would be no change in the existing use.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction (14 CCR § 15302)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 2 consists 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 reconstruct an existing gas storage well by running and cementing new liners and a gravel pack. This work would take on the existing wellbore. The well would remain a gas storage well with substantially the same capacity.
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 make minor alterations to an existing gas storage well that would result in negligible effects to the existing condition of the surrounding environment. The project would take place on an existing well pad which is large enough to accommodate the necessary equipment and can be accessed by existing roads. The project does not involve the construction of new facilities or the expansion of existing facilities. Therefore, there would be minimal surface disturbance that could significantly impact the surrounding environment.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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