754944_Macpherson_UIC
Summary
SCH Number
2025110778
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
754944_Macpherson_UIC
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
11/19/2025
Document Description
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. The project will utilize a workover rig, and various
temporary support equipment that include delivery trucks, backhoes, and pickup trucks. The well pad will be able to accommodate all associated equipment and operations, including personnel parking. The rig will then conduct day-light operations
until work is completed. The rig operations and equipment will then be demobilized and removed from the site. No production facilities and no new ground surface disturbance will be associated with the reworks. The total project footprint for each well in this project is estimated to be less than 0.5 acres. The majority of this project is in areas of existing disturbance. The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving 1 permit(s) for Macpherson Oil Company to rework the well(s) listed below, in the Round Mountain Oil Field, to address well integrity issues.
API # Well Name
0403057173 Jewett 3 7200
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
29E
Section
19
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
The “Class 1” (14 CCR §15301) exemption is applicable per the CEQA Guidelines and CalGEM’s regulations (14 CCR §1684.1) because the proposed work consists of repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of an existing previously permitted well involving no expansion of former use. The Class includes, but is not limited to: remedial, maintenance, conversion, and abandonment work on oil, gas, injection, and geothermal wells. The well would maintain its existing well type and the use of the well would remain the same as before.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction (14 CCR § 15302)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction (14 CCR §15302): 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[.]” Examples of Class 2 include, but are not limited to, “Replacement or reconstruction of existing utility systems and/or facilities involving negligible or no expansion of capacity.” The proposed Project is the sidetrack, or replacement, of the existing wellbore which is needed to restore the wells to their original functionality. The sidetracked will be the same site and would have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the well did before the sidetrack. Additionally, no additional construction will occur.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2): 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 sidetrack would not expand the facility.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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