Newlove 239 RD1 Rework (569531_PCEC_OG)
Summary
SCH Number
2026080362
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
Newlove 239 RD1 Rework (569531_PCEC_OG)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/12/2026
Document Description
Pacific Coast Energy is applying for a permit to rework Newlove 239 RD1 and return the well back to production. This well is located on the Newlove lease within the Orcutt Hill Oil Field boundaries in Santa Barbara County and is currently an active producer. This proposed rework will add 246 feet of new perforations across the Diatomite formation. Newlove 239 RD1 is currently drilled into the Diatomite formation to a depth of 1336’ MD. There is no BFW/USDW in the immediate area of this location, however ephemeral water sands may exist to a depth of 140’ MD. (See attached alluvium map) This project will consist of minor site preparation and remediation work both prior to and post rig mobilization. Temporary equipment will be needed to complete the project which includes a backhoe, workover rig, pumps, water trucks, cement trucks. In addition, vehicles to transport personnel, materials and to mobilize and demobilize equipment and waste will be utilized. No permanent facilities will be constructed. No expansion of associated facilities will be required. Any waste materials generated will be properly disposed of as non-hazardous or hazardous waste at a facility licensed to accept the waste. All work will take place within the Newlove 239 RD1 location and the roads leading to and from that location. PCEC is asking the State of California for a rework permit to add additional perforations across the Diatomite formation in Newlove 239 RD1. Once this work is completed the well will be returned to production.
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving 1 permit for Pacific Coast Energy Company LP to rework the well listed below, in the Orcutt Oil Field. API number: 0408322706, well name: Newlove 239
Contact Information
Name
Justin Martin
Agency Name
Pacific Coast Energy Company LP
Job Title
EHS Manager
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Name
Michael Philip Cannon
Agency Name
CA Department of Conservation, Geological Energy Management Division
Job Title
Associate Oil & Gas Engineer
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
near Orcutt, CA
Counties
Santa Barbara
Regions
Southern California
Township
09N
Range
34W
Section
25
Base
MD
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1; California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15301
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. This Class includes but is not limited to conversion, and abandonment work on oil, gas, injection, and geothermal wells involving the alteration of well casing, such as perforating and casing repair, removal, or replacement; installation or removal of downhole production or injection equipment, cement plugs, bridge plugs, and packers set to isolate production or injection intervals.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 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.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4; California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15304
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.
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.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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