695305_PG&E_UGS
Summary
SCH Number
2025060053
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
695305_PG&E_UGS
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/3/2025
Document Description
To meet current CalGEM requirements and remediate an integrity issue, PG&E (the operator) proposes to rework an existing gas storage well. The operator would remove the tubing string and assess the production casing. Based on the assessment, the operator will install a new cemented inner string or production liner as necessary. The operator will install new CalGEM compliant tubing and packer equipment and return the well to service. The operator will perform all work on an existing well pad, using existing roadways for access, and will not construct new facilities or expand existing facilities. The proposed work would restore the cement bond between 7” x 8 5/8” casing to satisfy CalGEM underground storage regulations and PG&E requirements.
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving one permit for PG&E to rework the well listed below, in the McDonald Island Gas Field.
API # Well Name
0407720169 Whiskey Slough 2-E
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
Brian Wong
Agency Name
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)
Job Title
Agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Counties
San Joaquin
Regions
Northern California
Township
02N
Range
04E
Section
25
Base
MD
Other Location Info
McDonald Island Gas 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 consists of the “operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing previously.” (14 CCR § 1684.1.) This includes “publicly-owned utilities used to provide electric power, natural gas, sewerage, or other public utility services.” (14 CCR 15301(b).) The operator proposes to rework an existing gas storage well by installing a new cemented inner string or production liner as necessary and installing new CalGEM compliant tubing and packer equipment. This work would address an integrity issue in the well by restoring the cement bond between 7” x 8 5/8” casing. These are minor alterations to the facility to address an integrity issue and continue to provide public utility services. The well would remain a gas storage well with substantially the same capacity. Therefore, the proposed project would not include modifications to the existing or former use of the well.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction (14 CCR § 15302)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 2 consists of the “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[.]” (14 CCR § 15302). The operator would reconstruct the casing of an existing gas storage well by replacing and cementing tubing and packer equipment. This work would remediate an integrity issue in the well and would not change the purpose or capacity of the well. The proposed work would take place on an existing well pad.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land (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.” (14 CCR § 1684.2). The operator would make minor alterations to an existing gas storage well by replacing and cementing tubing and packer equipment. The work would take place on an existing well pad which is large enough to accommodate the necessary equipment and has existing access roads. The operator does not propose to construct new facilities or expand existing facilities. Therefore, the proposed project would not involve significant surface disturbance that would impact the surrounding environment.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Classes 7 and 8, Protection of Natural Resources and the Environment (14 CCR §§ 15307, 15308)
Reasons for Exemption
Classes 7 and 8 consist of “actions taken by regulatory agencies as authorized by state law or local ordinance” to assure the “enhancement of a natural resource” and the “protection of the environment” where the proposed work does not involve construction activities (14 CCR §§ 15307, 15308). The Operator would address an integrity issue in an existing gas storage well by restoring the cement bond between 7” x 8 5/8” casing, which would bring the well in compliance with CalGEM regulations. Therefore, this work would assure the protection of the environment. The operator does not propose any construction activities.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
Disclaimer: The Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) accepts no responsibility for the content or accessibility of these documents. To obtain an attachment in a different format, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. For more information, please visit LCI’s Accessibility Site.