676861_Aera_OG_UIC
Summary
SCH Number
2025050175
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
676861_Aera_OG_UIC
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/5/2025
Document Description
Project Description: Aera proposes to rework a total of 1 existing oil and gas well in the existing and heavily developed South Belridge Oil Field to continue oil and gas resource development. The proposed rework activity will add perforations and install slotted liner and is expected to take approximately 10 days to complete.
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving 1 permit for Aera Energy LLC (A0610) to rework the well listed below, in the South Belridge Oil Field.
API # 0403053887
Well Name: 3595-35
Contact Information
Name
Randall P. Jeffries
Agency Name
Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division
Job Title
Oil and Gas Program Analyst
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Jeffrey Young
Agency Name
Aera Energy LLC (A0610)
Job Title
Agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Kern
Regions
Southern California
Cross Streets
247 ft N and 1187 ft E from the SW section corner
Township
28S
Range
21E
Section
35
Base
MD
Other Location Info
Belridge, South
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, Existing Facilities (14 CCR §§ 15301, 1684.1): 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 well is an existing producer that passes through the area of review (AOR) of underground injection control (UIC) Project #05200010. The operator proposes to add perforations, run and gravel pack a slotted liner and return the well to production. 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, Replacement or Reconstruction (14 CCR § 15302)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction (14 CCR § 15302): 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[.]” No additional facilities or infrastructure will be required to conduct this work. 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, Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2): Class 4 exemption applies. 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 industrial area. Therefore, the proposed project “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.” 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. 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).