699976_Group_Chevron_OG
Summary
SCH Number
2025051397
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
699976_Group_Chevron_OG
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/30/2025
Document Description
Chevron USA Inc. proposes to sidetrack 6 existing wells to restore to original functionality. The work is designed to support continuation of oil and gas resource development in the area. · Work locations will be accessed using existing access roads · New road construction or improvement will not be needed · The work will occur on existing well pads · All equipment will be staged within the project boundary on existing well pads and access roads · Grading in undisturbed will not occur in any phase of the work · The work will use existing electrical lines · The work will re-use, repair, or re-installation of various above-ground piping to connect well sites to existing infrastructure · New infrastructure will not be constructed as a result of the work. The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving 6 permit(s) for Chevron U.S.A. Inc. to rework the well(s) listed below, in the Kern River Oil Field.
API # Well Name
0403009233 Queen Esther 34
0403028607 Green & Whittier 2R
0403034591 Queen Esther 38
0402972827 American Naphtha 3184
0402971109 American Naphtha 3281
0403022650 Queen Esther 18R
Contact Information
Name
Tammy Bellman
Agency Name
Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
Job Title
Agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Name
Catherine Calantas
Agency Name
Department of Conservation
Job Title
Office Technician
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Kern
Regions
Southern California
Township
28S
Range
28E
Section
31
Base
MD
Other Location Info
Kern River
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1, Existing Facilities (14 CCR §§ 15301, 1684.1)
Reasons for Exemption
The “Class 1” (14 CCR §15301) exemption is applicable per the CEQA Guidelines and CalGEM’s regulations (14 CCR §1684.1) because the proposed work consists of repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of an existing previously permitted well involving no expansion of former use. The Class includes, but is not limited to: remedial, maintenance, conversion, and abandonment work on oil, gas, injection, and geothermal wells. The well would maintain its existing well type and the use of the well would remain the same as before.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction (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[.]” Examples of Class 2 include, but are not limited to, “Replacement or reconstruction of existing utility systems and/or facilities involving negligible or no expansion of capacity.” The proposed Project is the sidetrack, or replacement, of the existing wellbore which is needed to restore the wells to their original functionality. The sidetracked will be the same site and would have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the well did before the sidetrack. Additionally, no additional construction will occur.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2)
Reasons for Exemption
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 sidetrack would not expand the facility.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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