826826_45200001_PGE_UGS
Summary
SCH Number
2026091169
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
826826_45200001_PGE_UGS
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/28/2026
Document Description
PG&E plans to rework two wells to meet CalGEM Underground Gas Storage inspection and construction requirements as specified in 14 CCR § 1726. The proposed scope of work includes the following activities: retrieve existing tubing string and packer, retrieve production liner, perform casing integrity wireline surveys, replace existing wellhead, install new production liner and gravel pack, and install new tubing string and packer.
The proposed project will require, at a minimum, the following equipment: workover rig (double), mud pumps, cuttings bin, blowout prevention equipment and accumulator, generator, fuel tanks, fluid tanks, and light towers. All equipment will be staged and operated within the existing facility footprint and existing roadways will be used for access. This includes all ancillary equipment which may be required such as pump trucks, vac trucks, and casing storage. No new surface construction activities are planned with the rework. No new permanent facilities will be constructed and no expansion to associated facilities or roadways will be required. The project is anticipated to last from May to November 2026. The well will be returned to service as a gas storage well with no change or expansion of existing use.
Waste material will be properly disposed of as non-hazardous or hazardous waste at a facility licensed to accept the waste. Secondary containment will be utilized for liquid HazMat's and workover fluids. No erosion controls will be required as these sites are all graveled. Water will be applied as mitigation for dust suppression from vehicle traffic.
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving 1 permit(s) for Pacific Gas and Electric Company (P0300) to rework the well(s) listed below, in the McDonald Island Gas Oil Field in San Joaquin County.
API # Well Name
0407720241 Whiskey Slough 13-W
Contact Information
Name
Randall P. Jeffries
Agency Name
Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division
Job Title
Analyst II
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Carl Lakner
Agency Name
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Job Title
Submitter
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Stockton
Counties
San Joaquin
Regions
Northern California
Township
02N
Range
04E
Section
25
Base
MD
Other Location Info
1186' S & 553' W of N.E. Corner Sec. 25
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. This includes publicly-owned utilities used to provide electric power, natural gas, sewage, or other public utility services (14 CCR 15301 (b)). The operator proposes to rework an existing gas storage well by retrieving existing tubing string, packer, and production liner, performing casing integrity wireline surveys, replacing existing wellhead, installing new production liner and gravel pack, and installing new tubing string and packer. The wells will remain gas storage wells with substantially the same capacity.
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.” This includes replacement or reconstruction of existing utility systems and/or facilities involving negligible or no expansion of capacity. The project would rework the existing gas storage wells. The wells will remain gas storage wells with substantially the same capacity.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2)
Reasons for Exemption
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 rework an existing gas storage well. The wells are located on existing well pads, which are large enough to accommodate the necessary equipment and can be accessed by existing access roads. The project does not involve the construction of new facilities or the expansion of existing facilities. Therefore, there would be no new surface disturbance that would significantly impact the surrounding environment. This exemption may be used when a project will involve minor and temporary surface ground disturbance.
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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