Tethy's Exploration Well Project, West Bay Exploration Company

West Bay Exploration Company is conducting the Tethys Exploration Well Project in unincorporated Kern County, California, under the regulatory oversight of the California Department of Conservation's Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM). The project involves drilling one new exploratory well, constructing a new well pad, and installing temporary storage facilities on approximately 1.45 acres of undisturbed private land. The site is located in Section 8, Township 28 South, Range 20 East MDB&M (APN 085-120-20), situated near the Antelope Hills and McDonald Anticline Oil Fields. The project has been processed under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), resulting in a Mitigated Negative Declaration and a Notice of Determination dated December 16, 2025, confirming that the project will not have a significant environmental effect provided that specific mitigation measures are implemented. Key operational requirements include adherence to a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan, the development of a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan, and compliance with San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and CARB emissions standards. Construction is scheduled to occur between June 1 and July 26, 2025, covering site preparation, well drilling, and tank facility construction. Environmental compliance is supported by technical reports on air emissions, biological resources, and cultural assets.