NOE OG Berry 3 Wells 03262020
Summary
SCH Number
2020031153
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
NOE OG Berry 3 Wells 03262020
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/26/2020
Present Land Use
Poso Creek Oil Field
Document Description
The proposed project consists of drilling three new wells in the Poso Creek Oil Field in Kern County. The proposed wells are located in a densely developed oil field, within a parcel under active oil production, and in an area with surface and mineral rights owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). CalGEM has issued permits for the wells and notified BLM of the permits.
API # Well Name
0403067714 USL 35-17X
0403067961 USL 14-03CR
0403067968 Fitzhugh 22 CR
Contact Information
Name
Larry Kleinecke
Agency Name
California Geologic Energy Management Division
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Agency Name
Berry Petroleum Company, LLC
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Location
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15261(b)
Reasons for Exemption
15261(b) - Ongoing Project: The project is statutorily exempt from CEQA under the Ongoing Project exemption (PRC 21169; 14 CCR 15261(b)) because CalGEM identified administrative boundaries of the Poso Creek oil & gas field that were approved prior to April 5, 1973 (pre-CEQA). CalGEM permit approvals for oil & gas activities within this field occurred before April 5, 1973 and those permit approvals occurring after that date do not involve a greater degree of responsibility or control over the project as a whole than did the prior approvals.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301
Reasons for Exemption
Class 1 – Existing Facility: The project is categorically exempt from CEQA under the “Class 1” (14 CCR §15301) exemption per the CEQA Guidelines and per CalGEM’s regulations (14 CCR §1684.1) because the wells will be installed within an existing oil field and involve no expansion of use of the oil field.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15304
Reasons for Exemption
Class 4 – Minor Alterations to Land: The project is categorically exempt from CEQA under the “Class 4” (14 CCR 15304) exemption per the CEQA Guidelines because the project involves the minor alteration of the condition of land and/or vegetation within a densely developed oil field and does not require the removal of healthy, mature scenic trees.