819430_Grouped_Berry_UIC
Summary
SCH Number
2026080177
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
819430_Grouped_Berry_UIC
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/4/2026
Document Description
CRC proposes to rework a total of 4 existing oil and gas well(s) in the existing and heavily developed Midway-Sunset Oil Field to continue oil and gas resource development. Proposed work activities include removing existing liners, replacing existing liners and gravel pack, installing inner casing strings as needed followed by casing pressure tests. Due to the proximity of the wells to each other in an already disturbed and densely developed and active Midway-Sunset Oil Field, they are grouped in one Administrative Grouping. The proposed Site for each rework operation will encompass an area of 100 feet by 200 feet (20,000 square feet, or 0.46 acres). The total area to be used in all proposed rework operations in this Administrative Grouping is approximately 80,000 sq. ft. (1.84 acres).
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving 4 permits for Berry Petroleum Company, LLC (B3930) to rework the well(s) listed below, in the Midway-Sunset Oil Field.
API # Well Name
0403044834 Main Camp D-4
0403044835 MC-D-5
0403044836 MC-D-6
0403045718 MC-H-6
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
Joshua Medina
Agency Name
Berry Petroleum Company, LLC (B3930)
Job Title
Submitter
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Unincorporated Area, Kern County, Midway-Sunset
Counties
Kern
Regions
Southern California
Cross Streets
2275Wly alg sec ln 751Nly at rt ang from SE cor Sec. 24 31/22
Township
31S
Range
22E
Section
24
Base
MD
Other Location Info
Kern County, Midway-Sunset; 2275Wly alg sec ln 751Nly at rt ang from SE cor Sec. 24 31/22
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, 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. The well will maintain its existing well type and the use of the well will remain the same as before.
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.” Examples of Class 2 include, but are not limited to, “Replacement or reconstruction of existing utility systems and/or facilities involving negligible or no expansion of capacity.” The proposed work will be conducted on existing oil and gas wells and includes minor replacement or reconstruction of existing parts. Additionally, a CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed work would be a continuation of operations within UIC Project 46400396, as permitted by the PAL.
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 will be conducted entirely on an existing pad of less than 0.5 acres (enough to contain all equipment). The proposed work would not disturb any undisturbed areas. The proposed work is located within an industrial area with actively permitted oil and gas operations. Therefore, the proposed work “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 would not expand the facility and is conducted in order to maintain level of service.
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
Disclaimer: The Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) accepts no responsibility for the content or accessibility of these documents. To obtain an attachment in a different format, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. For more information, please visit LCI’s Accessibility Site.