713977_Bridge_OG_UIC
Summary
SCH Number
2025110916
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
713977_Bridge_OG_UIC
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
11/21/2025
Document Description
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving 1 permit(s) for Bridge Energy LLC to rework the well listed below, in the Brea-Olinda Oil Field in Orange County. Bridge Energy LLC proposes to rework well “Stearns” 173. The following are the steps that will be taken. Move in temporary, necessary equipment on existing roads to an existing well pad to rework the well on the Stearns Lease to restore the well’s previous production rate. No permanent facilities will be constructed. No expansion of associated facilities will be required either. The rework proposed remediates a known integrity issue according to the approved program. Waste materials will be properly disposed of as non-hazardous or hazardous waste, as appropriate, at a facility licensed that accepts the waste. Project Duration: 9-15 days (dependent upon success of fishing operations and casing condition). The project location is inside of a designated oil-field boundary established before April 5, 1973 (pre-CEQA).
API: 0405906928 Well Name: Stearns 173
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 Schulte
Agency Name
Bridge Energy LLC
Job Title
Agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Orange
Regions
Southern California
Township
03S
Range
09W
Section
07
Base
SB
Other Location Info
Brea-Olinda 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. The proposed rework will take place on an existing well, utilize existing roads and access pads, and remediate a known integrity issue on the oil well. Additionally, a CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed work would be a continuation of operations 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.” This work will take place on an existing well and there will be no expansion of existing or former use and no new facilities or infrastructure constructed. Additionally, a CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed work would be a continuation of operations 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.” This rework will not expand the facility.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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