261433_464000020_HWOC_UIC
Summary
SCH Number
2025100800
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
261433_464000020_HWOC_UIC
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/17/2025
Document Description
The Operator proposes to initiate waterflood operations through conversion of one existing production well to injection on the Lincoln/Oakland Lease. The Operator would also install 230 feet of fiberspar pipeline to the well Lincoln-Oakland 7-18k. The waterflood well would inject into the historically productive Miocene-aged Antelope Sands of the USDW-exempt Monterey Formation. The conversion of the well requires no change to the casing of the wellbore. This proposed project will utilize existing roads, current production and injection facilities, with no new power lines anticipated. The State Water Resources Control Board reviewed the project and issued a No Objection letter on January 5, 2025.
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving one project approval letter (PAL) for HWOC new UIC project 464000020, including to rework the well listed below, in the Midway-Sunset Oil Field.
API # Well Name
0402979252 Lincoln 7-18K
Contact Information
Name
Mikayla Vaba
Agency Name
California Department of Conservation (DOC)
Job Title
Environmental Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Scott Grodewald
Agency Name
Holmes Western Oil Corporation
Job Title
Agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Address
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Kern
Regions
Southern California
Township
11N
Range
23W
Section
18
Base
SB
Other Location Info
Midway-Sunset Oil Field
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 because the proposed project consists of the “minor alteration” of an existing well and pipeline involving “negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing previously” (14 CCR §§ 15301, 1684.1). The proposed project would convert one production well to waterflood injection well to establish a new UIC program and install 230ft of pipeline along the existing well pad. This is a negligible change in use that would result in negligible to no surface impacts. The proposed project will be located within an area where existing injection activities are currently present. The State Water Resources Control Board reviewed the project and issued a No Objection letter on 1/5/23.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction (14 CCR § 15302)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 2 applies because the proposed project consists of the “reconstruction” of an existing well and pipeline, which would have “substantially the same purpose and capacity” (14 CCR § 15302). An existing oil and gas well would be converted to water-flood injection and 230ft of pipeline would be installed to connect to the well to existing pipeline. This is a negligible change in use that would result in negligible to no surface impacts. The proposed project will be located within an area where existing injection activities are currently present. The State Water Resources Control Board re-viewed the project and issued a No Objection letter on 1/5/23.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 4 applies because the proposed project consists of “minor alterations with negligible or no permanent effects to the existing condition of the land, water, air, and/or vegetation” (14 CCR § 1684.2). The proposed project involves the conversion of a production well into waterflood injection and installation of 230-foot pipeline. The well conversion involves no change to the casing of the wellbore. The pipeline will be placed within the previously disturbed existing well pad. Pipelines follow existing pipe corridors and roads to eliminate impacts to habitat. All necessary equipment will fit on the existing well pad, and the Operator does not propose further expansion of existing facilities or construction of new facilities. Therefore, there would be negligible to no ground disturbance that could significantly impact biological resources or their habitat.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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