818892_Lodi Gas_UIC_UGS
Summary
SCH Number
2026071031
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
818892_Lodi Gas_UIC_UGS
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/24/2026
Document Description
The Operator proposes to plug & abandon the lower zone, then perforate and complete the upper zone within a wellbore in the Lodi Underground Natural Gas Storage Project. Proposed work will be performed using a service rig and ancillary services. Work will involve hydrostatically controlling the well, removing the wellhead, and pulling the existing tubing. The lower Midland zone will be plugged with cement. The upper Domengine zone will be perforated, and a sand control liner will be installed. A new tubing and packer assembly will be installed to ensure the well is compliant with CCR1726.5. The wellhead will be re-installed, and a series of pressure tests will be performed. The project duration will be approximately 25 days total.
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving 1 permit for Lodi Gas Storage, L.L.C. (L2330) to rework the well listed below, in the Lodi Gas Oil Field in San Joaquin County.
API # Well Name
0407720733 Loma M-4B
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
Peter Oyebanji
Agency Name
Lodi Gas Storage, L.L.C. (L2330)
Job Title
Submitter
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Address
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Lodi Gas Oil Field
Counties
San Joaquin
Regions
Northern California
Cross Streets
1245.0 ft W and 1690.0 ft N of the SE corner section 09-04N-07E MD
Township
04N
Range
07E
Section
09
Base
MD
Other Location Info
Lodi Gas
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 gas 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. The well is situated on an existing site within the Lodi Underground Gas Storage Project. The well pad is on private property accessible by private road.
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[. The well is situated on an existing pad within the Lodi Underground Gas Storage Project. Work will be performed on an existing gas storage well and no expansion of facilities or capacities will be needed.
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 well is situated on an existing pad within the Lodi Underground Gas Storage Project. The well is already equipped for production; there will be no additional surface equipment required.
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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