631329_62809023_Group_Macpherson_UIC
Summary
SCH Number
2025090402
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
631329_62809023_Group_Macpherson_UIC
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/10/2025
Document Description
Project Name: 24-RWK-MWSS-Convert to WF (11 well package)
Operator Name: Macpherson Oil Company (M0950)
Project Proposal: Macpherson proposes to rework/workover 11 well(s) in the existing and heavily developed Round Mountain oil field to continue resource development. The entire proposed project will result in a modification of existing wells, consistent with CCR 1684.1. In addition, because the project will be a minor alteration of existing wells, there will be a negligible effect on the environment, consistent with CCR 1684.2. There will be no expansion of the previously approved use of the wells or deepening of wells.
Project Location: This project is in the densely developed Thomas, Bell, Larkin, Marcan and Heacock lease within the Round Mountain oil field. There is no historical data available for this area. Much of the oil and gas development in the Round Mountain oil field was conducted prior to Macpherson ownership, which began in 2017.
Environmental Setting: The topography for the project area is rolling hills. The surrounding land use within three miles of this project consists of densely developed oil and gas fields. Workover operations will be conducted in well-developed and heavily traveled areas whose primary use is oil and gas extraction. A third-party biological monitor is on contract, and available for support if necessary.
Additional Project Elements: 1. CalGEM Rework Permit 2. Odor Management and
Prevention Plan 3. Compliance with the Worker Environmental Awareness Program (WEAP) 4. JSR R-2508 Waiver 5. Fugitive Dust Control Plan 6. Cultural Study.
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic
Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving 11 permit(s) for Macpherson Oil
Company to rework the well(s) listed below, in the Round Mountain Oil Field.
API # Well Name
0402918079 Marcan 3
0403030820 Larkin 310
0403051067 KCL TOW 6
0403043227 Heacock 91
0403051151 Heacock 92
0403054646 Heacock 94
0403043139 Thomas 1000IR
0403046705 Marcan 10
0402918234 Bell 17
0403050665 Marcan 15
0403050664 Marcan 13
Contact Information
Name
Catherine Calantas
Agency Name
Department of Conservation
Job Title
Office Technician
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Ryan Nelson
Agency Name
Macpherson Oil Company
Job Title
Agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Kern
Regions
Southern California
Township
28S
Range
28E
Section
12
Base
MD
Other Location Info
Round Mountain
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.” This includes “remedial, maintenance, conversion, and abandonment work on oil, gas, injection, and geothermal wells involving the alteration of well casing, such as perforating and casing repair, removal, or replacement; installation or removal of downhole production or injection equipment, cement plugs, bridge plugs, and packers set to isolate production or injection intervals.” (14 CCR § 1684.1.) The proposed project would make minor alterations to the well(s), resulting in negligible expansion of use beyond that existing previously. The proposed project and related permit approval is consistent with the laws that govern the operations, including statutory and regulatory provisions that protect public health, safety, and the environment.
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 proposed project would reconstruct the casing and wellbore(s) of existing wells. The work would take place on the existing wellbore(s) and well pads. The proposed work involves negligible change in use of the wells. The proposed project and related permit approval is consistent with the laws that govern the operations, including statutory and regulatory provisions that protect public health, safety, and the environment.
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; see also 14 CCR § 15304.) The proposed project involves negligible or no vegetation removal, expansion of the existing well pads, and ground disturbance. Therefore, there would be no surface disturbance related activities that would significantly disturb the surrounding environment. The proposed project and related permit approval is consistent with the laws that govern the operations, including statutory and regulatory provisions that protect public health, safety, and the environment.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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