821410_HWOC_UIC
Summary
SCH Number
2026071012
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
821410_HWOC_UIC
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/24/2026
Document Description
HWOC proposes to rework existing well USL-17/GOVT 109 by adding perforations and returning the well to injection. The project is expected to take 2 days. All equipment will be contained within existing facilities and there will be no expansion of existing former use. Temporary equipment needed for the project includes a Production Rig, Rig Pump, Wireline Truck, Vacuum Truck, and Bins. Vehicles needed to transport personnel, deliver supplies and materials, and transport waste will also visit the project site.
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving # permit(s) for Holmes Western Oil Corporation (H5200) to rework the well(s) listed below, in the Midway-Sunset Oil Field.
API # Well Name
0403069128 Govt 109
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
Raquel Aguilar
Agency Name
Holmes Western Oil Corporation (H5200)
Job Title
Engineering Technician II
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Address
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Unincorporated Area, Midway-Sunset Oil Field
Counties
Kern
Regions
Northern California
Cross Streets
North and 602' West of Southeast corner of Section 17
Township
11N
Range
23W
Section
17
Base
SB
Other Location Info
Midway-Sunset Oil Field
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1, Existing Facilities (14 CCR §§ 15301, 1684.1)
Reasons for Exemption
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. Additionally, in accordance with 14 CCR § 1684.1 the Class 1 exemption consists of operation repair, maintenance, minor alternation of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing previously. Holmes Western Oil Corporation proposes to rework existing well USL-17/GOVT 109 by adding perforations and returning the well to injection. All equipment will be contained within existing facilities and there will be no expansion of existing former use.
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[.]” All equipment will be contained within existing facilities and there will be no expansion of existing former use. The surrounding land use of the proposed project consists of developed oil and gas leases. There are no sensitive receptors within 3200 ft of the project site.
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/sidetrack would not expand the facility. The surrounding land use of the proposed project consists of developed oil and gas leases. There are no sensitive receptors within 3200 ft of the project site.
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
Exceptions to Exemptions
Reasons for Exemption
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.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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