683423_ Aera_ UIC
Summary
SCH Number
2025041060
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
683423_ Aera_ UIC
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/22/2025
Document Description
Aera proposes to rework a total of 1 existing oil and gas well(s) in the existing and heavily developed South Belridge Oil Field owned by Aera Energy, LLC (Aera), to continue oil and gas resource development. There are approximately 31,621 wells associated with this oil field. The proposed Site for the rework operation will encompass an area of 100 feet by 200 feet (20,000 square feet, or 0.47 acres).
Aera estimates it will take approximately 10 days to complete the work. The first phase of the work will be site preparation. Below are the specific rework activities and durations for this well: Perforate existing liner. Install New Inner Liner. Gravel Pack liner in place. Contingency: Replace Well Head. Original Well TD: 1,270. Effective Depth: 1,270. The well is a producer that passes through the area of review (AOR) of underground injection control (UIC) Project #05200010. The operator proposes to perforate the existing liner, install and gravel pack a new liner and return the well to production. The entirety of this work is in an area of existing disturbance and no change in the surface topography (such as drainage patterns) is included in the work design. No new grading will occur in undisturbed areas. Regular operations at the site would include removal of weeds and other ruderal vegetation for fire control and road maintenance.
API # 0403000915 Well Name: Ellis 1-11R-19
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
Jeffrey Young
Agency Name
Aera Energy LLC
Job Title
Agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Kern
Regions
Southern California
Township
28S
Range
21E
Section
19
Base
MD
Other Location Info
2579 ft N and 75 ft W from the SE section corner
Other Information
Oil Field Belridge, South
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 involves altering the existing casing and/or wellhead of an existing wellbore to restore productivity. Additionally, a CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed work would be a continuation of operations within UIC Project 05200010, 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 conducted on an existing wellbore, located on an existing well pad. The project will not expand operations or change the existing use of the well. Additionally, a CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed work would be a continuation of operations within UIC Project 05200010, 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.