690782_Aera_UIC

The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM), has approved a permit for Aera Energy LLC to sidetrack one existing oil and gas well, designated by API number 0401921380 and named 8-13, located in the Coalinga Oil Field in Fresno County, California. The purpose of the sidetrack is to restore production by drilling a new wellbore from the existing one, bypassing obstructions or accessing residual hydrocarbons within the same reservoir without increasing surface footprint or initiating new construction. This activity falls under categorical exemptions under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), including Class 1 for existing facilities, Class 2 for replacement or reconstruction, and Class 4 for minor land alterations, ensuring compliance with state regulations governing well integrity and environmental protection. The work is strictly confined to the original well pad, with no new facilities or expansion planned, and all operations are subject to CalGEM oversight to ensure adherence to technical and safety standards outlined in state code sections 14 CCR §§ 1684.1 and 1684.2. No federal procurement contract elements such as Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, pricing information, contract type, payment details, or award evaluation criteria are applicable or present, as this is a state-regulated environmental exemption action rather than a federal acquisition. The project is not linked to abandonment, environmental enforcement, or new development beyond the restoration of existing production capacity. The approval was certified on August 4, 2025, with the notice published on the same date, and the sole point of contact for regulatory matters is CalGEM, operating from its Bakersfield office. Aera Energy LLC, as the operator, is responsible for executing the sidetrack under the terms of the state permit, with CalGEM retaining authority for inspection and compliance verification. No formal contract value, delivery schedule, or invoicing mechanisms are established because this is not a procurement contract but a regulatory authorization for an operational well modification.