Sidetrack Administrative Grouping
Summary
SCH Number
2026040183
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
Sidetrack Administrative Grouping
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/3/2026
Document Description
The primary work objective is to sidetrack two (2) existing wells. This work is designed to support continuation of oil and gas resource development in the area. The wells are not being sidetracked (i) for abandonment purposes only or (ii) in connection with an enforcement order to mitigate or prevent environmental damage or surface expression. Sidetracking is the process of drilling a new wellbore from an existing wellbore. This is typically done when the original wellbore encounters a problem, when accessing remaining hydrocarbons within portions of the same reservoir, or when obstructions in the wellbore need to be bypassed. This process allows drilling a new section in an existing wellbore in the same rock formation restoring the well’s original functionality. The potential disturbance footprint would encompass an existing 20,000 square foot (100 ft x 200 ft) well pad per well. The entirety of this work would be located in an area of existing disturbance and no change in the surface topography (such as drainage patterns) would result. There will be no expansion of the existing well pads, roads, staging areas, or pipelines. No new grading would occur in any undisturbed areas. No new road construction or expansions would be required for the proposed project. Routine maintenance activities at the site would include removal of weeds and other ruderal vegetation for fire control and road maintenance. For a single well, it is expected to take approximately 17 operational days to complete all construction phases.
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving 2 permit(s) for Aera Energy LLC to sidetrack the well(s) listed below, in the San Ardo Oil Field.
Contact Information
Name
Jeffrey Young
Agency Name
Aera Energy LLC
Job Title
Contact
Contact Types
Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Name
Michael Cannon
Agency Name
Department of Conservation, CA Geological Energy Management Division
Job Title
Associate Oil & Gas Engineer
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Monterey
Regions
Southern California
Township
23S
Range
11E
Section
07
Base
MD
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1; California Code of Regulations, title 14, sections 15301
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
Department of Conservation Notice of Exemption involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing previously. The proposed project would make minor alterations to the well(s), resulting in negligible expansion of use beyond that existing previously.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2; California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15302
Reasons for Exemption
Class 2 consists of the “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 reconstruct the casing and wellbore(s) of existing wells. The work would take place on the existing wellbore(s) and well pads. The proposed work involves negligible change in use of the wells. The proposed project and related permit approval is consistent with the laws that govern the operations, including statutory and regulatory provisions that protect public health, safety, and the environment.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4; California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15304
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.” (14 CCR § 1684.2; see also 14 CCR § 15304.) The proposed project involves negligible or no vegetation removal, expansion of the existing well pads, and ground disturbance. Therefore, there would be no surface disturbance related activities that would significantly disturb the surrounding environment. The proposed project and related permit approval is consistent with the laws that govern the operations, including statutory and regulatory provisions that protect public health, safety, and the environment.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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