666742_HWOC_OG_UIC
Summary
SCH Number
2025091259
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
666742_HWOC_OG_UIC
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/26/2025
Document Description
Rework existing well Santiago Creek Unit D-8R located in the Midway Sunset Oilfield. HWOC proposes to rework existing well Santiago Creek Unit D-8R by converting it from a producer to a steam injection well. Proposed intervention operations for this wellbore are consistent with UIC. This rework is within scope of UIC 46400393, same wellbore, defined area, and zone as stated and included in the PAL/UIC. The project is expected to take 2 days and will be completed during the Fall season.
Construction related activities are not required. All equipment will be contained within existing facilities and there will be no expansion of existing former use. Temporary equipment needed for the project includes a Production Rig, Rig Pump, Wireline Truck, and Bins. Vehicles needed to transport personnel, deliver supplies and materials, and transport waste will also visit the project site. This well will not require the use of any produced or fresh water. Therefore, no vacuum truck is necessary.
The proposed project is in Kern County on Section 21 T.11N.R23. The well is located inside of the Midway Sunset oilfield boundary established before April 5, 1973. The surrounding land use of the proposed project consists of developed oil and gas leases. There are no sensitive receptors within 3200 ft of the project site. The project is located on property operated by HWOC in Kern County. Kern County does not issue permits for oil and gas wells.
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving 1 permit(s)-UIC 46400393 for Holmes Western Oil Corporation to rework the well(s) listed below, in the Midway-Sunset Oil Field.
API # 0403046372 Well Name: Santiago Creek Unit D-8R
Contact Information
Name
Mila Galevski
Agency Name
Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division
Job Title
Staff Service Analyst
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Scott Grodewald
Agency Name
Holmes Western Oil Corporation
Job Title
Agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Address
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Kern
Regions
Southern California
Township
11N
Range
23W
Section
21
Base
SB
Other Location Info
Midway-Sunset Oil field
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1, 14 CCR §§ 15301, 1684.1
Reasons for Exemption
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. This Class includes but is not limited to 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. Additionally, a CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed work would be a continuation of operations within UIC Project 46400393, as permitted by the PAL.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, 14 CCR § 15302
Reasons for Exemption
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[.]” No Construction related activities and there will be no expansion of existing former use. Additionally, a CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed work would be a continuation of operations within UIC Project 46400393, as permitted by the PAL.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4, 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 industrial area. 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 rework/sidetrack would not expand the facility. No Construction related activities and there will be no expansion of existing former use.
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.