720189_ 45200001_ PGE_ UGS
Summary
SCH Number
2025090751
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
720189_ 45200001_ PGE_ UGS
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/17/2025
Document Description
To meet current CalGEM requirements and remediate an integrity issue, PG&E (the operator) proposes to rework an existing gas storage well. PG&E plans to rework existing well to comply with CalGEM inspection and construction requirements. The project involves retrieving existing components, performing integrity surveys, and installing new equipment, including a production liner and tubing string. The necessary equipment includes a workover rig, mud pumps, blowout prevention equipment, and tanks, all of which will be operated within the current facility footprint without any new construction or expansion of facilities. The project is scheduled to take place from March to November 2025, and the well will remain gas storage well with no change in existing use.
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
Brian Wong
Agency Name
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Job Title
Agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Counties
San Joaquin
Regions
Northern California
Township
02N
Range
04E
Section
25
Base
MD
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 gas storage well associated with the UGS project (45200001) and does not include modifications or changes to the existing use. The proposed rework will meet current CalGEM requirements and remediate an integrity issue with the Whiskey Slough 5-W well. The proposed project activities involve retrieving components, conducting integrity surveys, and installing new equipment, including a production liner and tubing string, as result of the well will remain gas storage well with no change in existing use.
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 [.]” To meet current CalGEM requirements and remediate an integrity issue, PG&E (the operator) proposes to rework an existing gas storage well. PG&E will rework well to meet CalGEM standards, involving component retrieval, integrity surveys, and new equipment installation using a workover rig. The rework will occur on an existing well pad, and no new permanent facilities will be constructed.
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 proposed project is located within an existing active gas field. Therefore, the proposed project “consists of rework proposed activities 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 new permanent facilities.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
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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