740521_Group_Berry_UIC
Summary
SCH Number
2025120235
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
740521_Group_Berry_UIC
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
12/5/2025
Document Description
Berry proposes to sidetrack 10 existing oil well(s) in the existing and heavily developed Midway-Sunset oil field to continue resource development. 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. Upon completion of the sidetracks, the wells will be returned to service and produced into the existing facility infrastructure.
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving 10 permits for Berry Petroleum Company, LLC to perform sidetrack work on the wells listed below, in the Midway-Sunset Oil Field.
API # Well Name
0403023375 Section 36 22
0403024700 Section 36 23
0403018951 Formax East 340H
0403018950 Formax East 320H
0403015223 Formax East 240H
0403024532 Formax East 220H
0403015224 Formax East 160H
0403042054 Edwards Fee 1210H
0403063712 Catfish 2015H
0403025799 B-40 300H
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
Berry Petroleum Company, LLC (Berry)
Job Title
Agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Kern
Regions
Southern California
Township
32S
Range
23E
Section
36
Base
MD
Other Location Info
Midway-Sunset
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 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. The sidetrack will be on 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 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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