688015 SoCalGas UIC_UGS
Summary
SCH Number
2025080790
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
688015 SoCalGas UIC_UGS
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/19/2025
Document Description
The proposed project would rework an existing water disposal well related to the UGS project (3080001) to inspect the well integrity and remediate identified conditions as part of the Storage Integrity Management Program (SIMP). The proposed project activity consists of pulling completion, cleaning out to total depth, add new perforations within existing perforated zone, performing a wash, install new completion equipment. This action is in compliance with revised regulations (14 CCR § 1726 et seq.) to enhance the safety of UGS projects. The expected project duration is approximately 2.5 weeks.
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving one permit for Southern California Gas Company (S4700) to rework the well listed below, in the Honor Rancho Oil Field.
API # Well Name
0403707621 WEZU C-4
Contact Information
Name
Char'Mane Robinson
Agency Name
Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division
Job Title
Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Thomas McMahon
Agency Name
Southern California Gas Company (S4700)
Job Title
Agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Kern
Regions
Southern California
Township
04N
Range
16W
Section
08
Base
SB
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 to the “operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration” of existing facilities involving “negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing previously” (§ 1684.1) [.]” The project involves the maintenance of the existing water disposal well associated with the UGS project (3080001) and does not include modifications or changes to the existing use. The rework is intended to inspect the well integrity and remediate well WEZU C-4. The proposed project activities involve completing and cleaning out to total depth, adding new perforations, washing, and installing new completion equipment. The rework will improve the efficiency of WEZU C-4 water injection under the existing UIC project code 3080002. The operator indicates that no permanent facilities would be constructed, and the project would not involve any new ground surface disturbance, including no new roads or other corridors. The CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed work is within the scope of the UIC project code 3080002. Therefore, there is no expansion of use beyond that previously existing.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction (14 CCR § 15302)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 2 applies because the rework of the wells could be considered “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 [.]” The proposed project is a rework to inspect the well integrity and remediate identified conditions as part of the Storage Integrity Management Program (SIMP). The proposed project activity consists of pulling completion, cleaning out to total depth, adding new perforations within the existing perforated zone, performing a wash, cleaning out to total depth, and installing new completion equipment. The rework will be on an existing well pad, and no additional construction will occur. A CalGEM engineer has reviewed the existing permits for UIC project code 3080002 and confirmed that the proposed work is within the scope of the UIC project, and the use of the wells and their capacity are limited by the existing permits.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4: 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 existing active gas field. 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 proposed activities and temporary equipment will be contained within the existing well pad. The rework would not expand the existing facility nor require the construction of any permanent facilities.
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
Exceptions to Exemptions: (14 CCR §§ 15300.2)
Reasons for Exemption
CalGEM further finds that there are no exceptions to the application of the categorical exemptions (PRC § 21084; 14 CCR § 15300.2) referenced above. For example, there is no substantial evidence that there are any “unusual circumstances” associated with the proposed project that create a reasonable possibility that the activity will have a significant effect on the environment, and that there are no significant “cumulative impacts” resulting from successive projects of the same type in the same place. Therefore, reliance on the exemptions is appropriate.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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