Aera San Ardo One (1) Wells Administrative Grouping, Sidetrack; Orradre 1608-2: 0405321479
Summary
SCH Number
2026050408
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
Aera San Ardo One (1) Wells Administrative Grouping, Sidetrack; Orradre 1608-2: 0405321479
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/11/2026
Document Description
The primary work objective is to sidetrack one (1) existing well. This work is designed to support continuation of oil and gas resource development in the area. 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. 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 1 permit(s) for Aera Energy LLC to sidetrack the well(s) listed below, in the San Ardo Oil Field.
API # Well Name
0405321479 Orradre 1608
Contact Information
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
Name
Jeff Young
Agency Name
Aera Energy LLC
Job Title
Contact
Contact Types
Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Monterey
Regions
Southern California
Township
23S
Range
10E
Section
2
Base
MD
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1; California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15301
Reasons for Exemption
Class 1: The proposed project would make minor alterations to the well(s), resulting in negligible expansion of use beyond that existing previously. 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 2; California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15302
Reasons for Exemption
Class 2: 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: 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. CalGEM further finds that there are no exceptions to the application of the categorical exemptions (PRC § 21084; 14 CCR § 15300.2) referenced above. For example, 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, and that there are no significant “cumulative impacts” resulting from successive projects of the same type in the same place. Therefore, reliance on the exemptions is appropriate.
County Clerk
Monterey
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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