662775_Group_HWOC_OG_UIC
Summary
SCH Number
2025050084
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
662775_Group_HWOC_OG_UIC
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/2/2025
Document Description
Holmes Western Oil Corporation (HWOC) proposes to rework existing wells Santiago Creek Unit G-9, G-11, and D-12 located in the Midway Sunset Oilfield. Proposal is to add perforations to the well casings and keep the well type as oil and gas, no injection is planned. The project is expected to take 2 days per well and will be completed during the Fall season. Construction related activities are not required. All equipment will be contained within existing facilities and there will be no expansion of existing former use. Temporary equipment needed for the project includes a Production Rig, Rig Pump, Wireline Truck, and Bins. Vehicles needed to transport personnel, deliver supplies and materials, and transport waste will also visit the project site. This well will not require the use of any produced or fresh water. Therefore, no vacuum truck is necessary. The well is located inside of the Midway Sunset oilfield boundary established before April 5, 1973.
Environmental Setting: The surrounding land use of the proposed project consists of developed oil and gas leases. There are no sensitive receptors within 3200 ft of the project site.
Local Agency Requirements: The project is located on property operated by HWOC in Kern County. Kern County does not issue permits for oil and gas wells. A list of the proposed wells is provided below.
API: Well Name:
0403061361 Santiago Creek Unit G-9
0403061291 Santiago Creek Unit G-11
0403061292 Santiago Creek Unit D-12
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
Scott Grodewald
Agency Name
Holmes Western Oil Corporation
Job Title
Agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Address
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Kern
Regions
Southern California
Township
11N
Range
23W
Section
21
Base
SB
Other Location Info
Midway-Sunset Oil Field
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 casings and/or wellheads of existing wellbores to restore productivity. Additionally, a CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed work would be a continuation of operations within UIC Project 46400393, 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 46400393, 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 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.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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