470009_Group_SPR_UIC
Summary
SCH Number
2025051174
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
470009_Group_SPR_UIC
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/27/2025
Document Description
The proposed project would deepen two idle cyclic steam wells. Conductors have been set 90 feet deep, but the wells have not yet been drilled. The proposed work includes drilling to a total depth of 815 feet and 860 feet respectively, running and cementing casing, gravel packing, and setting bridge plugs. The wells would complete in the Tulare formation, which is the approved injection zone for UIC projects 19024128 and 19024022. The project would not modify the UIC projects.
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving two permits for Sentinel Peak Resources California LLC to deepen the wells listed below, in the Cymric Oil Field.
API # Well Name
0403062794 McKittrick Front 131
0403062795 McKittrick Front 132
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
Thomas Cruise
Agency Name
Sentinel Peak Resources California LLC
Job Title
Agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Kern
Regions
Southern California
Township
30S
Range
22E
Section
06
Base
MD
Other Location Info
Cymric Oil Field
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 because the proposed work consists of “operation, repair, or minor alteration” of previously permitted wells with “negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing previously” (14 CCR § 1684.1). The project would drill below the conductors of two existing cyclic steam injections wells. The wells would remain cyclic steam injectors. The wells would be drilled to the Tulare formation, which is the approved zone of production for UIC projects 19024128 and 19024022. A CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed work would not have a modifying effect on UIC projects 19024128 and 19024022. The proposed work would be a continuation of operations as permitted by the PALs and would therefore be a negligible expansion of use.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction (14 CCR § 15302)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 2 applies because the project consists of the “reconstruction” of existing wells which would be located on the same site and would have substantially the same purpose and capacity as previously permitted (14 CCR § 15302). The proposed project would reconstruct the existing wells by drilling below the conductors, which have already been set. The work would take place on existing well pads. The wells would remain cyclic steam injection wells. The proposed work would be a continuation of operations as permitted by the PALs and would therefore be a negligible expansion of use.
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 project involves “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” (14 CCR § 1684.2). Work would take place on existing well pads which are large enough to accommodate the necessary equipment and can be accessed by existing roads. The project takes place in a densely developed oil field. As part of routine measures, the operator will conduct species-specific mitigation measures, including pre-disturbance surveys 30-days prior to project activity by a qualified biologist. Therefore, there would be no surface disturbance that would significantly impact the surrounding environment.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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