Aquifer Exemptions Status

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM), the State Water Resources Control Board, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have a joint plan to ensure that fluids injected in connection with oil and gas production are not impacting water with current or potential future beneficial uses in California.

Interested Parties List

To receive emailed notices about future aquifer exemption activities, please send an email to comments@conservation.ca.gov. Please specify whether you are interested in these activities in a specific oil field, in a county or community, or on a statewide basis.

Aquifer Exemptions List:

Aquifer Exemptions List (Approved)

 Aquifer Exemptions List (Public Hearing Complete):

Aquifer Exemptions List (Pending Public Hearing):


Aquifers Historically Treated as Exempt (HTAE)

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM), and the State Water Resources Control Board sent intent to advise the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“US EPA”) on November 15, 2016 ​that ten of the eleven aquifers historically treated as exempt do not meet the federal regulatory criteria for exemption from the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Accordingly, the State Agencies intend to request an amendment to the Memoranda of Agreement between the Division and US EPA for the purpose of clarifying that these aquifers are not exempt aquifers.

In addition, the State Agencies intend to advise US EPA that the one other aquifer historically treated as exempt – the Walker Formation underlying the Round Mountain Field – is currently the subject of aquifer exemption proposals. The proposal for the Walker Formation has been finalized and published for public comment (but not yet submitted to US EPA). Portions of this aquifer are included in the exemption proposal, while other portions are not included. The State Agencies therefore intend to also request that the amendment to the Memoranda of Agreement between the Division and US EPA clarify that this aquifer is not exempt, except with respect to any portion(s) that US EPA approves for exemption as a result of a future exemption proposal.

 

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Arroyo Grande

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM​) (“Division”) and State Water Resources Control Board on February 8, 2016 submitted a proposal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requesting to expand an aquifer exemption designation for the Dollie sands of the Pismo formation in the Arroyo Grande oil field. The field is in unincorporated San Luis Obispo County near the intersection of Ormonde Road and Price Canyon Road. The proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area, either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

In August 2015, state and regional officials sent the initial public notice regarding the expansion proposal. The initial public comment period was held from August 20 – September 21, with a public comment hearing on September 21st in San Luis Obispo. On December 2, 2015 officials provided additional information to the proposed exemption and reopened a 15-day supplemental comment period to receive comment on the additional information.

A public hearing of the proposal was held on August 15, 2018. The public comment period closes at 5 p.m. on September 24, 2018. For additional information about the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.​

Public Notice and Documents Relating to the Arroyo Grande Aquifer Exemption Application:


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Casmalia

The California Department of Conservation, Geological Energy Management Division (CalGEM) is considering a proposal to expand the aquifer exemption for all commercial oil-bearing zones of the Monterey Formation within the Casmalia Oil Field located approximately two miles west of the community of Orcutt in Santa Barbara County, California.

Pending preliminary concurrence of the State Water Resources Control Board and the public comment process, and subject to approval by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

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​Cat Canyon

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) with the preliminary concurrence of the State Water Resources Control Board, is considering a proposal to exempt the oil-bearing portions of the Sisquoc and Monterey Formations in the Cat Canyon Oil Field, located in Santa Barbara County near the town of Orcutt, CA. Subject to approval by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

A public hearing of the proposal was held on June 5, 2019. The public comment period closed at 5 p.m. on June 20, 2019. For additional information about the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.

Cat Canyon Aquifer Exemption Presentation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Application:

Government Agency Correspondence:

Public Comment Period Documents:


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Coalinga & Jacalit​os

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) and the State Water Resources Control Board on June 16, 2020 submitted a proposal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requesting to exempt the Temblor Formation in the Jacalitos and Coalinga Oil Fields, located in Fresno County within and near the City of Coalinga, CA. The proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area, either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

A public hearing of the proposal was held on August 15, 2018. The public comment period ended on September 24, 2018. For additional information about the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below. 

Public Notice and Documents Relating to the Coalinga & Jacalitos Aquifer Exemption Application:


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Cymric

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) (“Division”) and State Water Resources Control Board on July 12, 2018 submitted a proposal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requesting to expand the aquifer exemption designations for the Tulare Zone in the Cymric Oil Field. The proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area, either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

A public hearing of the proposal was held on February 27, 2018, and the public comment period ended March 14, 2018. For more information on the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.

Public Notice and Documents Relating to the Cymric Aquifer Exemption Application:

    

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Deer C​reek

The California Department of Conservation, Geological Energy Management Division (CalGEM) is considering a proposal to expand the aquifer exemption for two producing zones in the Santa Margarita Formation, above and below the D stratigraphic marker in the Deer Creek Oil Field located in Tulare County approximately one mile north of town of Terra Bella.

Pending preliminary concurrence of the State Water Resources Control Board and the public comment process, and subject to approval by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area for enhanced oil recovery.

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Edison Vol. 1

The California Department of Conservation/Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) (“Division”) and State Water Resources Control Board on July 12, 2018 submitted a proposal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requesting to expand the aquifer exemption designations for a portion of the Transition/Santa Margarita, Main Wicker Sands, and Pyramid Hill/Vedder Formations in the Edison Oil Field (incorporated Kern County, east of Bakersfield). The proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area, either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

A public hearing of the proposal was held on August 2, 2018, and the public comment period ended August 9, 2018. For more information on the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.

Documents Relating to the Edison Vol. 1 Aquifer Exemption Application:

  

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Edison Vol. 2 - Chanac

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) (“Division”) and State Water Resources Control Board on February 12, 2019 submitted a proposal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requesting to expand the aquifer exemption designations for the Chanac Zone in the Edison Oil Field. The proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area, either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

A public hearing of the proposal was held on September 14, 2018, and the initial public comment period ended October 18, 2018. For more information on the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.

Documents Relating to the Edison Vol. 2 Aquifer Exemption Application:


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Elk Hills Oil Field Phase 1

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) (“Division”) and State Water Resources Control Board on February 13, 2018 submitted a proposal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requesting to exempt the Phase 1 Area of the Lower Tulare Formation within the Elk Hills Oil Field. The proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area, either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

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A public hearing of the proposal was held on October 24, 2017, and the initial public comment period ended October 24, 2017. For more information on the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.

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Public Notice and Documents Relating to the Elk Hills Oil Field Phase 1 Aquifer Exemption Application:

Public Hearing Document:

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Elk​ Hills Oil Field Phase 2

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) (“Division”) and State Water Resources Control Board on February 13, 2018 submitted a proposal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requesting to exempt the Phase 2 Area of the Lower Tulare Formation within the Elk Hills Oil Field. The proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area, either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

A public hearing of the proposal was held on October 24, 2017, and the initial public comment period ended October 24, 2017. For more information on the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.

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Public Notice and Documents Relating to the Elk Hills Oil Field Phase 2 Aquifer Exemption Application:

Public Hearing Document:

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Fruitvale

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) (“Division”) and State Water Resources Control Board on November 9, 2016 submitted a proposal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requesting to expand an aquifer exemption designation for the Santa Margarita Formation in the Fruitvale Oil Field. The proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area, either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

A public hearing of the proposal was held on August 15, 2016, and the public comment period ended August 29, 2016. For more information about the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.

Public Notice and Documents Relating to the Fruitvale Aquifer Exemption Application:

Public Hearing Document:

More Information about this Oil Zone and the Aquifer Exemption Recommendation:

 

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Holser

The California Geologic Energy Management Division ("CalGEM"), with the concurrence of the State Water Resources Control Board ("State Water Board") and the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (collectively, the “Water Boards"), is considering recommending that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) approve an aquifer exemption for a portion of the Holser – Nuevo Zone of the Modelo Formation in the Holser Oil Field (i.e., the Proposal Area) under the Safe Drinking Water Act, for purposes of receiving fluids from Class II injection wells. If approved by the US EPA, this aquifer exemption proposal would clarify that the Proposal Area may be a suitable location for Class II injection to occur. However, approval of the proposed aquifer exemption would not, by itself, authorize any new injection activity. Approval to operate a Class II injection project involves a regulatory process separate from aquifer exemption. CalGEM and the State Water Board invite comments from the public regarding whether this aquifer exemption proposal meets the criteria for recommendation to the US EPA.

A virtual public hearing of the proposal is scheduled to be held on March 29, 2022, at 5:30 pm. The public comment period closes at 5 p.m. on April 13, 2022. For additional information about the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.​

La División de Administración de Energía Geológica de California (CalGem, por su acrónimo en inglés), con el consentimiento de la Junta Estatal de Control de Recursos Hídricos (“Junta Estatal del Agua") y la Junta Regional de Control de Calidad del Agua de Los Ángeles (colectivamente, las “Juntas de Agua"), está considerando recomendar que la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de los Estados Unidos (US EPA, por sus siglas en inglés) apruebe una exención de acuífero para una parte de la Zona de Holser - Nuevo de la Formación Modelo en el Campo Petrolífero Holser (es decir, el Área de Propuesta) de acuerdo con la Ley de Agua Potable Segura, con el fin de recibir fluidos de los pozos de inyección de Clase II. Si es aprobada por la EPA de los Estados Unidos, esta propuesta de exención de acuífero aclararía que el Área de Propuesta puede ser un lugar adecuado para que se lleven a cabo las actividades de inyección de Clase II. No obstante, la aprobación de la propuesta de exención de acuífero no autorizaría por sí sola ninguna nueva actividad de inyección. La aprobación para operar un proyecto de inyección de Clase II implica un proceso regulatorio separado de la exención del acuífero. CalGem y la Junta Estatal del Agua invitan al público a presentar comentarios sobre si esta propuesta de exención de acuífero cumple con los criterios de recomendación a la EPA de los Estados Unidos.

Una audiencia pública virtual sobre la propuesta está programada para el 29 de marzo de 2022 a las 5:30 p.m.  El período de comentarios públicos cierra a las 5 p.m. del 13 de abril de 2022.  Para obtener información adicional sobre la propuesta de exención de acuífero, consulte los avisos y otros documentos a continuación.​

  • ​​Register for the March 29 Zoom public hearing here​ / ​​Regístrese para la audiencia pública de Zoom del 29 de marzo aquí.​​

Public Notice and Documents Relating to the Holser Aquifer Exemption Application:

​Public Hearing Document:

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Jasmin

The California Department of Conservation, ​Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM)​ (“Division”) and State Water Resources Control Board on July 21, 2017 submitted a proposal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requesting to expand the aquifer exemption designation for the Cantleberry Sands of the Vedder Formation in the Jasmin Oil Field. The proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area, either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

A public hearing of the proposal was held on April 19th, 2017, and the initial public comment period ended April 19, 2017. For more information about the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.

Public Notice and Documents Relating to the Jasmin Aquifer Exemption Application:

Public Hearing Document:

    

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Kern Front - Chanac

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM​)​ (“Division”), with concurrence of the State Water Resources Control Board (“State Water Board”), is considering a proposal to exempt the Upper Chanac Formation Oil Sand in a portion of the Kern Front Oil Field, about nine miles north of central Bakersfield, CA. Subject to approval by the US Environmental Protection Agency (“US EPA”), the proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area, either for enhanced oil recovery or disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

A public hearing of the proposal was held on April 16th, 2018 in Bakersfield. The public comment period ended at 5:00pm on April 16th, 2018. For additional information about the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.

Public Notice and Documents Relating to the Kern Front Chanac Aquifer Exemption Application:

    

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Kern Front - Vedder

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) (“Division”), and State Water Resources Control Board on July 21, 2017 submitted a proposal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requesting to expand the aquifer exemption designations for the Vedder Formation in the Kern Front Oil Field. The proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area, either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

A public hearing of the proposal was held on April 19th, 2017 in Bakersfield and the public comment period ended on April 19th, 2017. For additional information about the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.

Public Notice and Documents Relating to the Kern Front Vedder Aquifer Exemption Application:

Public Hearing Document:

    

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Kern River

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) with the preliminary concurrence of the State Water Resources Control Board, is considering a proposal expand the currently exempted aquifer boundary for the hydrocarbon producing portion of the Kern River Reservoir which consists of both the Kern River Formation and Upper Chanac Formation beneath the Kern River Oil Field located approximately 2 miles northeast of Bakersfield, California.

Pending the public comment process and subject to approval by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area for enhanced oil recovery.

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Livermore

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) (“Division”), with concurrence of the State Water Resources Control Board (“State Water Board”), is considering a proposal to expand the current aquifer exemption designation for the Greenville Sands member of the Cierbo Formation in the Livermore Oil Field located approximately 3,400 feet East of Greenville Road, the Eastern boundary for the Livermore City Limits. Subject to approval by the US Environmental Protection Agency (“US EPA”), the proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area, either for enhanced oil recovery or disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

A public hearing of the proposal was held on January 11th, 2017. Public comments were accepted until 5:00pm on January 25th, 2017. For additional information about the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.

Revised Statement of Basis and Notice Documents for 15-Day Comment Period:

On April 2, 2018, the Division, in consultation with the staff of the State Water Board opened a 15-day supplemental comment period to receive public input regarding a revision to the Statement of Basis. The Statement of Basis has been modified to reflect that the aquifer exemption proposal satisfies the federal criteria under 40 CFR § 146.4(a)&( b)(1), revised from the previously referenced 40 CFR § 146.4(a)&(c).

 

Public Notice and Documents Relating to the Livermore Aquifer Exemption Application:

Public Hearing Document:

More Information about this Oil Zone and the Aquifer Exemption Recommendation:


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Lompoc

The California Geologic Energy Management Division ("CalGEM"), with the preliminary concurrence of the State Water Resources Control Board ("State Water Board") and the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (collectively, the “Water Boards"), is considering recommending that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) approve an aquifer exemption for a portion of the Monterey Formation in the Lompoc Oil Field (i.e., the Proposal Area) under the Safe Drinking Water Act, for purposes of receiving fluids from Class II injection wells. If approved by the US EPA, this aquifer exemption proposal would clarify that the Proposal Area may be a suitable location for Class II injection to occur. However, approval of the proposed aquifer exemption would not, by itself, authorize any new injection activity. Approval to operate a Class II injection project involves a regulatory process separate from aquifer exemption. CalGEM and the State Water Board invite comments from the public regarding whether this aquifer exemption proposal meets the criteria for recommendation to the US EPA.

A virtual public hearing of the proposal is scheduled to be held on April 12, 2022. The public comment period closes at 5 p.m. on April 27, 2022. For additional information about the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.

La División de Administración de Energía Geológica de California (CalGem, por su acrónimo en inglés), con el consentimiento de la Junta Estatal de Control de Recursos Hídricos (“Junta Estatal del Agua") y la Junta Regional de Control de Calidad del Agua de la Costa Central (colectivamente, las “Juntas de Agua"), está considerando recomendar que la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de los Estados Unidos (US EPA, por sus siglas en inglés) apruebe una exención de acuífero para una parte de la Zona de la Formación Monterey en el Campo Petrolífero de Lompoc (es decir, el Área de la Propuesta) de acuerdo con la Ley de Agua Potable Segura, con el fin de recibir fluidos de los pozos de inyección de Clase II. Si es aprobada por la EPA de los Estados Unidos, esta propuesta de exención del acuífero aclararía que el Área de Propuesta puede ser un lugar adecuado para que se lleven a cabo las actividades de inyección de Clase II. No obstante, la aprobación de la propuesta de exención de acuífero no autorizaría por sí sola ninguna nueva actividad de inyección. La aprobación para operar un proyecto de inyección de Clase II implica un proceso regulatorio separado de la exención del acuífero. CalGem y la Junta Estatal del Agua invitan al público a presentar comentarios sobre si esta propuesta de exención de acuífero cumple con los criterios de recomendación a la EPA de los Estados Unidos.

Una audiencia pública virtual sobre la propuesta está programada para el 12 de abril de 2022. El período de comentarios públicos terminará a las 5 p.m. del 27 de abril de 2022.  Para obtener información adicional sobre la propuesta de exención del acuífero, consulte los avisos y otros documentos a continuación.

Register for the April 12 Zoom public hearing here. /Regístrese para la audiencia pública de Zoom del de abril aquí.​​

Public Notice and Documents Relating to the Lompoc Aquifer Exemption Application:

​Public Hearing Document:


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Lost Hills Phase 1​​

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) (“Division”), and State Water Resources Control Board on November 9, 2018 submitted a proposal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requesting to expand the aquifer exemption designations for the Tulare Formation in the Lost Hills Oil Field. The proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area, either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production. ​

A public hearing of the proposal was held on June 19th, 2018 in Bakersfield and the public comment period ended on June 19th, 2018. For additional information about the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.

Public Notice and Documents Relating to the Lost Hills Phase 1 Aquifer Exemption Application​:​


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Lynch Canyo​n​​

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) ("Division"), with the concurrence of the State Water Resources Control Board ("State Water Board"), is considering a proposal to expand the current aquifer exemption designation for the Lanigan Sand of the Monterey Formation in and around the Lynch Canyon Oil Field, located in Monterey County about 2.5 miles southeast of the town of San Ardo, CA, on Dead Mans Gulch Road. Subject to approval by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), the proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.​

A public hearing of the proposal was held on September 6, 2017. The public comment period closed at 5 p.m. on September 23, 2017. For additional information about the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.

Public Notice and Documents Relating to the Lynch Canyon Aquifer Exemption Application:

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Public Hearing Documents:

 

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Lynch Canyon, D Sands

The California Department of Conservation, Geological Energy Management Division (CalGEM) is considering an aquifer exemption proposal for the D Sands of the Monterey Formation in the Lynch Canyon Oil Field.

Pending preliminary concurrence of the State Water Resources Control Board and the public comment process, and subject to approval by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

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McKittrick

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) (“Division”) and State Water Resources Control Board on July 12, 2018 submitted a proposal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requesting to expand the aquifer exemption designations for the Tulare Zone in the McKittrick Oil Field. The proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area, either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

A public hearing of the proposal was held on February 27, 2018, and the public comment period ended March 14, 2018. For more information on the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.

Public Notice and Documents Relating to the McKittrick Aquifer Exemption Application:

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Midway-Sunset (MWSS) - Deeper Formations

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) with the concurrence of the State Water Resources Control Board, is considering a proposal to exempt the Potter Sands, Spellacy Sands, Miocene Shales/Warson Sands and Lower Antelope Sands in the Midway-Sunset Oil Field, located in the counties of Kern and San Luis Obispo within and near the City of Taft, CA. Subject to approval by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area, either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

A public hearing of the proposal was held on December 6, 2018. The public comment period closed at 6 p.m. on December 6, 2018. For additional information about the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.

Public Notice and Documents Relating to the Midway-Sunset (MWSS) Aquifer Exemption Application:

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Midway Sunset - Tulare Formation

The California Department of Conservation, Geological Energy Management Division (CalGEM) with the preliminary concurrence of the State Water Resources Control Board, is considering a proposal to expand the exemption for the oil-bearing portions of Tulare Formation in the Tulare B Portion below the Upper Confining Layer (the Upper Tulare Clay) and the Lower Tulare.

Pending the public comment process and subject to approval by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

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Mount Poso

On February 15, 2017, with concurrence from State Water Resources Control Board, the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM)​ ("Division") submitted a proposal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("US EPA") requesting expansion of the aquifer exemption designations for the Pyramid Hill Sand and Vedder Formation in the Mount Poso Oil Field. On April 17th, 2017, the US EPA approved the request.

This allows the State, in compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified areas, either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

After the requested aquifer exemption was approved, however, the Division became aware that certain maps, tables, and cross-sections appearing in the application document did not accurately depict the exemption areas otherwise supported by data presented in the proposal materials. Therefore, on February 21st, 2018, the State submitted to the US EPA, an addendum to the original aquifer exemption application, which contains an updated application document with corrected tables, maps, and cross-sections that better illustrate the proposed exemption areas.

 

Public Notice and Documents Relating to the Mount Poso Aquifer Exemption Application:

Public Hearing Document:

More Information about this Oil Zone and the Aquifer Exemption Recommendation:

Public Notice and Documents Relating to the Addendum to the Mount Poso Aquifer Exemption Application:

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Mount Poso, Dorsey Area

The California Department of Conservation, Geological Energy Management Division (CalGEM) with the preliminary concurrence of the State Water Resources Control Board, is considering a proposal to expand the exemption of the Vedder Formation west of the Dorsey Fault in the Dorsey Area of the Mount Poso Oilfield located Kern County.

Pending the public comment process and subject to approval by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

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North Antelope Hills

The California Department of Conservation, Geological Energy Management Division (CalGEM) is considering aquifer exemption (AE) and “exemption not required" (ENR) application package to expand the exempted area of the North Antelope Hills Oil Field. The Tulare Formation, 1A Sands of the Monterey Formation, Agua and Phacoides sandstones of the Temblor Formation and Point of Rocks sandstone of the Kreyenhagen Formation are included in the proposed expansion.

Pending preliminary concurrence of the State Water Resources Control Board and the public comment process, and subject to approval by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

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North Belridge

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM)​ (“Division”), and State Water Resources Control Board on November 9, 2018 submitted a proposal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requesting to expand the aquifer exemption designations for the Tulare Formation in the North Belridge Oil Field. The proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area, either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

A public hearing of the proposal was held on June 19th, 2018 in Bakersfield and the public comment period ended on June 19th, 2018. For additional information about the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.

Public Notice and Documents Relating to the North Belridge Aquifer Exemption Application:

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Oxnard

The California Department of Conservation, Geological Energy Management Division (CalGEM) with the preliminary concurrence of the State Water Resources Control Board, is considering a proposal to expand the aquifer exemption for the Vaca Tar Sands in the Santa Barbara and Pico formations (including the Lower Tar Sands within the Modelo Formation) of the Oxnard Oil Field located in the southwestern Ventura Basin, approximately 1 mile east of Oxnard, CA.

Pending the public comment process and subject to approval by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area for enhanced oil recovery.

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Poso Creek

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) ("Division") and State Water Resources Control Board submitted a proposal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requesting to expand the aquifer exemption designation for the Etchegoin Zone of the Etchegoin Formation and Chanac Formation in the Poso Creek Oil Field. The proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area, for enhanced oil recovery.

A public hearing of the proposal was held on November 29, 2017. The public comment period ended at 5:00pm on November 29, 2017. For additional information about the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.

Public Notice and Documents Relating to the Poso Creek Aquifer Exemption Application:


 

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Round Mountain

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) (“Division”) and State Water Resources Control Board on November 30, 2016 submitted a proposal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requesting to expand the aquifer exemption designations for the Jewett Sand, Pyramid Hill Sand, Vedder Formation, and the Walker Formation in the Round Mountain Oil Field. The proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area, either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

A public hearing of the proposal was held on June 14, 2016, and the initial public comment period ended June 25. Some of the public comments provoked the State to make changes to the application which are reflected in the Round Mountain Addendum. The addendum required a 15-day supplemental comment period which ended September 6. For more information about the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.

Public Notice and Documents Relating to the Round Mountain Aquifer Exemption Application:

Public Hearing Document:

More Information about this Oil Zone and the Aquifer Exemption Recommendation:


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Round Mountain, South Area

The California Department of Conservation, Geological Energy Management Division (CalGEM) is considering an aquifer exemption proposal for the upper Olcese Sand in the South Area of the Round Mountain Oil Field.

Pending preliminary concurrence of the State Water Resources Control Board and the public comment process, and subject to approval by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

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San Ardo McCool Ranch

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM)​ (“Division”), with the concurrence of the State Water Resources Control Board (“State Water Board”), is considering a proposal to expand the current aquifer exemption designation for the Lombardi and Aurignac Sands of the Monterey Formation in and around the San Ardo and McCool Ranch Oil Fields, located in Monterey County about 2 miles southeast of the town of San Ardo, along Highway 101 at Alvarado Rd. Subject to approval by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), the proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

A public hearing of the proposal was held on February 9, 2017. On February 14, the public comment period was extended 15 days, from 5 p.m. February 16 to 5 p.m. March 3, 2017. For additional information about the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.

Public Notice and Documents Relating to the San Ardo McCool Ranch Aquifer Exemption Application:

Public Hearing Document:

More Information about this Oil Zone and the Aquifer Exemption Recommendation:

    

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Sespe 

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM)​ ("Division"), with the concurrence of the State Water Resources Control Board ("State Water Board"), is considering a proposal to expand the current aquifer exemption designation for the Basal Sespe Zone of the Sespe Formation in the Sespe Oil Field, located in Ventura County about 3 miles north of the City of Fillmore, CA. Subject to approval by the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("US EPA"), the proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.​

A public hearing of the proposal was held on October 24, 2017. The public comment period ended at 5 p.m. on November 8, 2017. For additional information about the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.

Public Notice and Documents Relating to the Aquifer Exemption Application:

Public Hearing Document:


 

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​South Belridge

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM)​ (“Division”), and State Water Resources Control Board on May 7, 2019 submitted a proposal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requesting to expand the aquifer exemption designations for the Tulare Formation in the South Belridge Oil Field. The proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area, either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

A public hearing of the proposal was held on December 19th, 2018 in Bakersfield and the public comment period ended on December 19th, 2018. For additional information about the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.

Public Notice and Documents Relating to the South Belridge Aquifer Exemption Application:


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Tejon

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM)​ (“Division”) and State Water Resources Control Board on December 2, 2016 submitted a proposal to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requesting to expand the aquifer exemption designations for the Transition Zone in the Tejon Oil Field. The proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State, in compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, to approve Class II injection into the identified area, either for enhanced oil recovery or for injection disposal of fluids associated with oil and gas production.

A public hearing of the proposal was held on September 12, 2016, and the initial public comment period ended September 26. For more information on the aquifer exemption proposal, please see the notices and other documents below.

Public Notice and Documents Relating to the Tejon Aquifer Exemption Application:

Public Hearing Document:

More Information about this Oil Zone and the Aquifer Exemption Recommendation:

 

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Additional Information

Underground Injection Control (UIC) - Frequently Asked Questions

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