641660_PNA_THUMS_O&G
Summary
SCH Number
2025040856
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
641660_PNA_THUMS_O&G
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/17/2025
Document Description
The proposed project would rework and partially abandon an existing oil and gas well, idle since November 2005, and located on Pier J – Site 4, within the Port of Long Beach. The rework and abandonment entails removing existing equipment, cleaning the well out as deep as possible, and plugging the well with cement. The well will be completely abandoned to surface when the islands are decommissioned. The rework consists of removing existing equipment, cleaning the well out as deep as possible, and plugging the well with cement to a predetermined depth. Temporary equipment such as pumps and return bins may be needed. No production facilities and no new ground surface disturbance will be associated with this project. Any waste materials will be properly disposed of in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving one permit for THUMS Long Beach Co (THUMS) to abandon the well listed below, in the Wilmington Oil Field.
API #: 0403700119
Well Name: J-449
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
Andrew Cochrane
Agency Name
THUMS Long Beach Co.
Job Title
Agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Address
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Southern California
Township
05S
Range
13W
Section
13
Base
SB
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 applies to the “operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration” of existing facilities involving “negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing previously.” (§ 1684.1.) The proposed Project is to reconstruct one production well in the Wilmington field. This proposal involves removing existing equipment, cleaning out the well, and plugging with cement to abandon the well. The rework will use temporary equipment, such as a workover rig, confirmed to fit within the existing well pad. This proposed Project is a minor alteration involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond previously existing. After being abandoned, the well cannot be used for production.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction (14 CCR § 15302)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 2 applies because the rework of the well could be considered “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[.]” (§ 15302.) This rework only involves reconstructing to abandon one production well by removing equipment, cleaning out the well, and plugging with cement. The proposal does not involve any changes to the well bore.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 4 applies because the rework “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.” (§ 1684.2.) The rework is intended to maintain the current level of service and will not involve expanding the facility or operations. The proposed activities and temporary equipment will be contained within the existing well pad. As a result, there will be no new ground disturbances. There are no expected impacts on biological resources as the project will not disturb undisturbed areas.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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