Letter of Non-Objection for CaIGEM Abandonment of Orphan Hobson Well

The California State Lands Commission is seeking non-objection for the abandonment of the Orphan Hobson Well, a process that involves thoroughly cleaning out debris from the wellbore, followed by plugging it with cement and inert mud to permanently seal it. Upon completion of the plugging, the wellhead will be removed, and all remaining surface casings and conductors will be cut below ground level. The excavated areas will be backfilled with native soil and compacted to prevent future subsidence, with the surface subsequently graded and restored to its original condition to ensure environmental stability and land usability. This work is being conducted under the authority of the California State Lands Commission and is intended to mitigate environmental risks posed by the orphaned well. The project is managed by the California State Lands Commission, with primary point of contact Sarah Mongano, Senior Environmental Scientist, reachable at sarah.mongano@slc.ca.gov or 916-574-1889, and Ibukun Ajai, Senior Oil and Gas Engineer and Supervisor, available at ibukun.ajayi@conservation.ca.gov or 562-637-4400. The forecast was posted on August 6, 2026, and the place of performance is in California, though specific location details are not provided. This activity falls under the state’s broader mandate to ensure safe and environmentally responsible closure of inactive and orphaned oil and gas wells.