24-ST-MWSS-Tidewater MNDI (wells 39-23, 41-22, 42-21 of 24 well package)

Berry Petroleum Company, LLC is authorized to sidetrack 24 existing oil wells in the Midway-Sunset Oil Field in Kern County, California, to continue resource development without expanding the previously approved surface use or production capacity. The project involves minor alterations to the wellbores and surrounding infrastructure, including casing repair, downhole equipment installation or removal, and reconstruction within existing well pads, all confined to current facility boundaries. The work is governed by California Code of Regulations Title 14, specifically CCR 1684.1 and CCR 1684.2, which classify the activity as a minor alteration with negligible environmental impact, qualifying for categorical exemptions under CEQA sections 15301, 15302, 15304, and 15300.2. The project includes specific wells identified by API numbers: 0403046871 (39-23), 0403063772 (41-22), and 0403063771 (42-21), with all operations occurring at designated locations within the Midway-Sunset field. The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM), is the sole approving authority, handling permit issuance, compliance verification, and administrative acceptance through review of documentation rather than physical inspection. There is no formal contract structure, pricing, or financial terms specified, as the document functions as a CEQA Notice of Exemption rather than a federal procurement instrument. No federal acquisition regulations apply, and there are no line items, payment details, contract types, or evaluation factors as would be found in a federal solicitation. Point of contact for regulatory compliance is through CalGEM, with administrative inquiries directed to CEQA@conservation.ca.gov, while Berry Petroleum’s agent, Ryan Nelson, serves as the primary operational liaison. The project does not involve any new surface facilities, environmental mitigation commitments, or socioeconomic certifications, and no period of performance, delivery schedule, or invoicing mechanism is established, emphasizing its nature as a regulatory approval for operational continuation within existing constraints.