Platforms Hogan and Houchin Plugging and Abandonment Project

The Platforms Hogan and Houchin Plugging and Abandonment Project, managed by the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District, is an environmental protection initiative designed to abandon existing offshore oil and gas wells to mitigate fugitive hydrocarbon emissions. The project is located at the Carpinteria Field - South County, Parcel Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)- P- 0166, in California. The scope involves addressing 39 wells at Platform Hogan, 14 of which have identified fugitive emissions, and 60 wellheads at Platform Houchin, which includes 35 leaking wells. This work serves as a critical prerequisite for the eventual full decommissioning of these platforms. Due to the environmental benefits of stopping leaks, the project has received a Notice of Exemption from further review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the District's Environmental Review Guidelines. Operational activities are authorized under several District permits, including PTO 15962 01, PTO 15978 01, ATC 16435, ATC 16459, and ATC 16460. To support the plugging and abandonment process, the project includes the installation of a new portable crane with a Tier 4 Final engine, the replacement of the Platform Hogan South Unit Crane engine with a new Tier 4 Final diesel-fired engine, and the use of up to six prime power diesel engines on the abandonment rig. Additionally, one diesel engine will be utilized for emergency electrical power, and annual flaring limits will be increased to facilitate well blowdowns. The work will be conducted sequentially, beginning at Platform Hogan with an expected completion prior to the end of 2027, followed by Platform Houchin, which is anticipated to require an additional one to two years to complete.