619556_Group_Berry_UIC
Summary
SCH Number
2025040182
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
619556_Group_Berry_UIC
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/3/2025
Document Description
The proposed project consists of sidetracking eleven existing cyclic steam injection wells in the Midway-Sunset oil field. Work includes drilling into the existing wellbores, cleaning out the wellbores, sidetracking, setting and cementing casing, and completion of tiered wellbores targeting the same formation. There will be no expansion of the existing well pads, roads, staging area, or pipelines. No new grading would occur in any undisturbed areas. No new road construction or improvements would be required for the proposed project. Routine maintenance activities at the site would include removal of weeds and other ruderal vegetation for fire control and road maintenance. The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving 11 permits for Berry Petroleum to sidetrack the wells listed below, in the Midway-Sunset Oil Field.
PI # Well Name
0403066613 SW 56-61
0403066614 SW 57-60
0403066620 SW 57-62
0403066612 SW 58-61
0403066618 SW 58-63
0403045146 SW 59-61
0403066621 SW 60-61
0403066622 SW 60-63
0403066623 SW 61-62
0403066535 SW 61-64
0403064893 SW 58-47
Contact Information
Name
Daisy Duenas
Agency Name
Department of Conservation
Job Title
Senior Environmental Scientist Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Ryan Nelson
Agency Name
Berry Petroleum, LLC
Job Title
Regulatory Permitting Engineer
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
Kern
Regions
Southern California
Township
22E
Range
31S
Section
02
Base
MD
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1, Existing Facilities (14 CCR §§ 15301, 1684.1)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project was identified by CalGEM district engineers as involving sidetrack activities associated with existing oil and gas operations. The proposed project and related permit approval is consistent with the laws that govern the operations, including statutory and regulatory provisions that protect public health, safety, and the environment. Upon consideration of the proposed project file and applicable laws, CalGEM determined that the proposed project is exempt from CEQA review under Class 1, Existing Facilities, Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, §§ 15301, 1684.1, and no exceptions to the exemptions apply. The proposed project would result in minor alterations to existing wells involving negligible change in use. The proposed project would sidetrack eleven existing cyclic steam injection wells. The wells would be recompleted in the same zone and remain cyclic steam wells. A CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed work is within the scope of UIC project 46400390 and the project would be a continuation of operations as permitted by the Project Approval Letter. Therefore, any modifications to the existing use would be negligible.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction (14 CCR § 15302)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project was identified by CalGEM district engineers as involving sidetrack activities associated with existing oil and gas operations. The proposed project and related permit approval is consistent with the laws that govern the operations, including statutory and regulatory provisions that protect public health, safety, and the environment. Upon consideration of the proposed project file and applicable laws, CalGEM determined that the proposed project is exempt from CEQA review under Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction, Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15302, and no exceptions to the exemptions apply. The proposed project would reconstruct existing wellbores of existing cyclic steam wells in order to sidetrack. The wells would recomplete in the same zone and would remain cyclic steam wells. A CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed work is within the scope of UIC project 46400390 and the project would be a continuation of operations as permitted by the Project Approval Letter.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project was identified by CalGEM district engineers as involving sidetrack activities associated with existing oil and gas operations. The proposed project and related permit approval is consistent with the laws that govern the operations, including statutory and regulatory provisions that protect public health, safety, and the environment. Upon consideration of the proposed project file and applicable laws, CalGEM determined that the proposed project is exempt from CEQA review under Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land, Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, §§?15304, 1684.2, and no exceptions to the exemptions apply. The project would take place on existing well pads which are large enough to accommodate all the necessary equipment and can be accessed by existing roads. The project would not require the expansion of existing wells pads, roads, staging areas, or pipelines. No new grading would occur in any undisturbed areas. No new road construction or improvements would be required for the proposed project.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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