Rework to Repair Well Casing for Sansinena 11 A 23
Summary
SCH Number
2026050190
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
Rework to Repair Well Casing for Sansinena 11 A 23
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/6/2026
Document Description
Matrix Oil Corporation proposes to rework the existing production well 11 A 23 in the Sansinena oil field. The rework consists of repairing the casing of an existing wellbore by squeeze cementing known casing holes and testing the well for idle well compliance.
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving one permit for Matrix Oil Corporation to rework the well listed below, in the Sansinena Oil Field, to address well integrity issues.
API # 0403715369
Well Name 11A-23
Contact Information
Name
Jack Collender
Agency Name
Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division
Job Title
Associate Oil and Gas Engineer
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Jonathan Gregory
Agency Name
Matrix Oil Corporation
Job Title
Agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
La Habra Heights
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Southern California
Township
02S
Range
10W
Section
32
Base
SB
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 rework, or replacement, of the existing wellbore which is needed to repair the casing of an existing wellbore by cementing an area of the well that needs to be repaired prior to returning the well to its current use. The rework will be on the same site and would have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the well did before the rework. 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 rework would not expand the facility.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Classes 7 and 8, Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources and the Environment ( §§ 15307 15308
Reasons for Exemption
Class 7 and Class 8 exemptions apply. The exemptions are for actions taken by regulatory agencies as authorized by law to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of a natural resource or the environment where the regulatory process involves procedures for the protection of the environment.” As demonstrated in the record, the proposed project involves remedial/rework operations to address well integrity issues that require swift action for protection of a natural resource and the environment. CalGEM further finds that there are no exceptions to the application of the categorical exemptions (PRC § 21084; 14 CCR § 15300.2 (c)) referenced above. There is no substantial evidence that there are any “unusual circumstances” associated with the proposed project that create a reasonable possibility that the activity will have a significant effect on the environment. The approved project is within a Health Protection Zone (HPZ) as defined by Public Resources Code (PRC) section 3280(b). The HPZ does not present an unusual circumstance because SB 1137 (PRC § 3280 et seq.) requires all oil or gas production facilities or wells with a wellhead within an HPZ to comply with specified health, safety, and environmental requirements. In addition, CalGEM further finds that there are no significant “cumulative impacts” resulting from successive projects of the same type in the same place. Therefore, reliance on the exemption(s) is appropriate.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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