NOE_653625_Group_CREH_UIC
Summary
SCH Number
2025060296
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
NOE_653625_Group_CREH_UIC
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/6/2025
Document Description
The primary work objective is to rework four (4) existing wells by converting the wells to observation wells. Two of the proposed wells (328-25R Idel O&G and 341-27R Idel Waterflood) will not require plugback, perforating, other downhole modifications, but NOIs for these wells are being submitted to log the request for the “Well Type” change. The two other wells (355X-26R active O&G and 376-36R active Waterflood) will require downhole type rework activities. The “Well Type” change for all four wells would consist of converting the existing wells to observation wells for CRC’s Carbon TerraVault (CTV) I carbon sequestration project. The conversion of the existing wells to observation wells is considered a workover (rework) of an existing well, where the majority of the work occurs subsurface. Minimal surface work is required and primarily consists of the removal of surface production or waterflood facilities, which would be replaced with the subsurface monitoring equipment. Rework activities for each well is expected to take approximately 12 days to complete.
This work is designed to assess the potential for future carbon capture and sequestration development in the area. The converted wells would allow for monitoring of downhole pressure and temperature in the CTV I carbon dioxide (CO2) project storage area to demonstrate that future, permitted Environmental Protection Agency Class VI injection wells would be operating as planned and that the expected CO2 injection plume and pressure front are moving as predicted. The proposed monitoring wells would also ensure that there are no impacts to underground sources of drinking water (USDW).
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving # permit(s) for California Resources Elk Hills, LLC (C0880) to rework the 4 well(s) listed below, in the Elk Hills Oil Field.
API # Well Name
0402959043 328-25R
0402950376 341-27R
0403033957 355X-26R
0402955853 376-36R
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
Zachary Sharpley
Agency Name
California Resources Elk Hills, LLC (C0880)
Job Title
Submitter
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Kern
Regions
Southern California
Township
30S
Range
23E
Section
25
Base
MD
Other Location Info
1021' East and 395' North of Southwest corner of section 25R
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 proposed permit activity is a rework that will convert two existing wells from oil and gas production to two observation wells and two waterflood wells into two observation wells. The conversion of existing production wells to observation wells is described in the environmental document. Additionally, a CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed work would be a continuation of operations within UIC Project 2280006, 22800013, 2280022, 22800023, as permitted by the 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. Minimal surface work is required, and activities primarily consist of the removal of surface production or waterflood facilities, which would be replaced with the subsurface monitoring equipment. Additionally, a CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed work would be a continuation of operations within UIC Project 2280006, 22800013, 2280022, 22800023, 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. 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 rework/sidetrack would not expand the facility. All four wells proposed for rework are on an existing pad within the boundaries indicated in the environmental document. The project will not disturb any undisturbed areas or result in the expansion or construction of facilities.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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