748829_PGE_UGS
Summary
SCH Number
2025111121
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
748829_PGE_UGS
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
11/26/2025
Document Description
PG&E proposes to rework the gas storage well Whiskey Slough 1-W by replacing the existing tubing string, packer, production liner, and wellhead, and performing casing integrity wireline surveys. The rework activities for the existing well will occur on existing pads and existing roadways will be used for access. No new construction is associated with the proposed work.
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving 1 permit for PG&E to rework the well listed below, in the McDonald Island Gas Field in San Joaquin County.
API # Well Name
0407720215 Whiskey Slough 1-W
Contact Information
Name
Mikayla Vaba
Agency Name
California Department of Conservation (DOC)
Job Title
Associate Environmental Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
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
23
Base
MD
Other Location Info
McDonald Island Gas 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 consists of “the operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing previously” (14 CCR §§ 15301, 1684.1). The proposed project would make minor alterations to an existing gas storage well by replacing the wellhead, production liner, gravel pack and tubing string. The purpose of this work is to remediate an integrity issue and bring the well in compliance with CalGEM UGS inspection requirements; the well would remain a gas storage well with the same purpose and capacity. Therefore, there would be no changes to the existing use of the well.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction (14 CCR § 15302)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 2 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” (14 CCR § 15302). The proposed project would replace the wellhead, production liner, gravel pack and tubing string on an existing gas storage well. The work would take place on an existing wellbore, and the well would remain a gas storage well with the same capacity.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 4 consists of “drilling operations that result only in minor alterations with negligible or no permanent effects to the existing condition of the land, water, air, and/or vegetation” (§1684.2). The proposed project would take place on an existing well pad which is large enough to accommodate the necessary equipment and can be accessed by existing roads. The project would not involve the construction of new facilities or the expansion of existing facilities. Therefore, there would be no surface disturbance that would significantly impact the existing condition of the environment.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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