653952_714-03-0001_SM&O_UIC

2026050909

California Department of Conservation (DOC)

NOE - Notice of Exemption

5/22/2026

5/22/2026

Doug Off

SM&O, LLC

Agent

Project Applicant

4081 Mission Oaks Boulevard, Suite A
Camarillo, CA 93012

(661) 120-9833

doug@ojaioil.com

Emma Brammer

Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division

Management Services Technician

Lead/Public Agency

715 P Street, MS 1803
Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 445-9686

ceqa@conservation.ca.gov

34°20'1"N 119°1'34.3"W

03N

21W

24

SB

South Mountain Oil Field

Categorical Exemption

Class 1, Existing Facilities (14 CCR §§ 15301, 1684.1)

Class 1 applies because the proposed project would make minor changes to an existing well to initiate a water disposal project. Class 1 consists of “the operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing previously.” (14 CCR §§ 15301, 1684.1.)?The project would initiate a water disposal project by converting one existing oil and gas production well into water disposal and installing an injection pump. This is a negligible change in use that would not require alterations to the casing of the well. The project is in an area with existing water disposal and injection activities. The proposed project and related approval are contingent upon CalGEM’s and the Water Board’s technical reviews and demonstrations 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 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, there are no exceptions to the exemption.

Categorical Exemption

Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2)

Class 4 applies because there would be no new surface disturbance that could significantly impact biological resources or their habitat. 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.)?The proposed project would be minor changes to an existing well. The well is located on an existing well pad that is large enough to accommodate the necessary equipment and can be accessed by existing roads. The project does not involve the construction of new facilities. Exceptions to Exemptions: 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.