Permanent Sealing of Orphan Wells in Canoga Park Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration

The Permanent Sealing of Orphan Wells in Canoga Park Project, managed by the California Department of Conservation Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) State Abandonment Program, involves the plugging and abandoning of six orphan wells in the inactive Canoga Park Oil Field within unincorporated Los Angeles County. The scope of work includes the permanent closure and sealing of these wells using cement and approved materials, the removal of associated facilities, and the management of approximately one acre of land disturbance for equipment staging. Each well is estimated to require approximately one week for completion. The project is governed by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), with a Mitigated Negative Declaration confirming no significant environmental impacts, provided that specific mitigation measures for biological, cultural, and tribal resources are implemented. Operational requirements include strict adherence to safety and environmental protocols, such as the implementation of a project-specific Emergency Response Plan and spill contingency planning per CCR Title 14. A certified Health and Safety Officer must conduct bi-weekly site audits, and crews must undergo monthly emergency response drills. Additionally, the project requires a comprehensive job hazard analysis to mitigate risks of blowouts, fires, and leaks. Waste management must be handled by state-licensed transporters, and unknown fluids must be analyzed according to the California Health and Safety Code and CCR Title 22. Coordination with Caltrans is required to manage construction traffic and oversized vehicle permits on state highways.