731669_7080303_CalNRG_UIC
Summary
SCH Number
2026091021
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
731669_7080303_CalNRG_UIC
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/23/2026
Document Description
California Natural Resources Group’s (CalNRG) project application seeks approval to modify Underground Injection Control (UIC) Project Number 7080303 located within the Shiells Canyon Oil Field in Ventura County. CalNRG proposes to increase the maximum injection rate and volume from 1,500 to 3,950 BWPD into a single disposal injection well, Shiells 1P-4 (API 0411122188). The Project Approval Letter (PAL) for
existing UIC Project No. 7080303 (dated September 13, 2013), as well as the PAL modification approval to inject water produced from the Bardsdale Oilfield into the Saugus Formation (dated October 31, 2024), assumes an injection rate and volume of 1,500 barrels of water per day (BWPD), as outlined in the original UIC project application.
This injection rate and volume increase would not require any modifications to the well, surface facilities, well pads, or subsurface completion configurations, because established pipelines and injection facilities will be utilized. In addition, while the injection rate and volume would be increased, the maximum allowable surface pressure and area of review per the current PAL would remain unchanged.
The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) is issuing an updated PAL to CalNRG for the modification of UIC Project No.7080303 that may impose additional conditions of approval that will improve the safety and function of the existing project without expanding existing operations. The injection well that would be associated with the modified UIC project are listed below.
Well Name: Shiells 1P-4
API #: 0411122188
Contact Information
Name
Emma Brammer
Agency Name
Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division
Job Title
Management Services Technician
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Clifton Simonson
Agency Name
California Natural Resources Group (CalNRG), LLC
Job Title
Agent
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Fillmore
Counties
Ventura
Regions
Northern California
Zip
93015
Waterways
Santa Clara River
Township
03N
Range
19W
Section
04
Base
SB
Other Location Info
Shiells Canyon 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
Class 1 applies because the proposed project seeks modification of the current PAL to allow for an increase in the injection rate and volume into an existing disposal injection well associated with the existing UIC 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 modify an existing UIC project by increasing the maximum injection rate and volume into an existing disposal injection well, which is actively injecting fluids. This is a negligible change in use that would not require alterations to the casing of the well nor increase the area of review or maximum allowable surface pressure. The project is located in an area with existing 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.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2)
Reasons for Exemption
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 include minor changes to the current PAL and no modifications to the existing disposal injection well. The increase in injection rate and volume into the well would not increase the area of review or maximum allowable surface pressure. 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. In addition, 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. CalGEM has determined that none of the exceptions to categorical exemptions apply because approved injection is already occurring, existing UIC well infrastructure will be utilized and unchanged, and there will be no new ground disturbance.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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