261541_ HWOC_57812002_UIC
Summary
SCH Number
2026050448
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
261541_ HWOC_57812002_UIC
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/12/2026
Document Description
injection control (UIC) project No. 57812002 by converting two existing oil and gas production wells to waterflood injection. The well conversions will not require alteration of the well casing. This project will utilize existing roads, power lines, and facilities. Existing group lines will be utilized, with tie-ins to the proposed injection wells at the wellhead. There will be no expansion of existing facilities.
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) issuing one revised project approval letter (PAL) to HWOC for the modification of UIC project No. 57812002 , located within the Pyramid Hills Oil Field in Kings County. The injection wells that would be associated with the modified UIC project are listed below.
API # Well Name
0403120381 Davis-Smith 2-11
0403120405 Davis-Smith 2-14
Contact Information
Name
Randall P. Jeffries
Agency Name
Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division
Job Title
Oil and Gas Program Analyst
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Kelsey Padilla
Agency Name
Holmes Western Oil Corporation
Job Title
Submitter
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Address
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Kings
Regions
Southern California
Township
24S
Range
18E
Section
7
Base
MD
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, Existing Facilities (14 CCR §§ 15301, 1684.1): The project is categorically exempt from CEQA under the “Class 1” (14 CCR § 15301) exemption per the CEQA Guidelines because the proposed project is a repair or minor alteration of existing facilities and will not involve an expansion of use of the oil field, and therefore is exempt from the need for full CEQA review. The proposed project and related approval are contingent upon CalGEM’s and the Water Board’s technical reviews and demonstration that injected fluid will be confined to the approved injection zone prior to approval. Sunflower Alliance v California Department of Conservation (2024) 104 Cal.App.5th 1135 determined that CalGEM can use the Class 1 exemption (existing facilities) for new or modified Project Approval Letters and conversions. CalGEM has determined that none of the exceptions to categorical exemptions apply because approved injection is already occurring, existing infrastructure will be utilized, and there will be negligible new ground disturbance.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2): 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 proposed project would not expand the existing facilities.
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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