BOEM Announces Availability of Draft Environmental Assessment for Removing Well Conductors at Two Oil and Gas Platforms off California

Sub title
Agency seeks comments from the public
Release Date
03/22/2021
Contact(s)

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announces the availability of a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) that analyzes potential environmental impacts of removing 66 well conductors from two non-producing oil and gas platforms, located 10 miles offshore of Ventura County, California. This notice initiates a 15-day public comment period on the document.

BOEM prepared the EA at the request of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) to inform BSEE’s permitting decision on whether the project is technically and environmentally sound, including consideration of mitigation measures. The EA analyzes the potential environmental impacts based on the project’s technical and environmental information provided by Chevron U.S.A. Inc. (Chevron) in support of its permit application to BSEE.

As described in the EA, Chevron is responsible for plugging and abandonment of all wells and removal of 66 well conductors on Platforms Gail and Grace. Once Chevron has permanently abandoned a well, it will proceed with removal of the well conductor. Well conductors are the metal tubes extending from the platform to the seafloor, which are used to house drilling activities and subsequent production. Removing the conductors is a precursor to future removal of the platforms. The remaining platform structure, including decks and subsea jacket, will remain in place until this conductor removal project is complete and BSEE receives and approves a forthcoming decommissioning platform removal application.

This notice opens a 15-day public review and comment period. BOEM and BSEE will assess and consider the comments received on the Environmental Assessment before any decision. Comments should be submitted or postmarked no later than April 6, 2021.

How to comment (starting March 23, 2021)

Interested parties may submit written comments through the following methods:

  • BOEMSantaClaraEAPublicComments@boem.gov
  • In written form, deliver by hand or by mail: Enclose comments in an envelope labeled “Santa Clara Well Conductor Removal" and provide to the following address:

Regional Supervisor Office of Environment
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
760 Paseo Camarillo, Suite #102
Camarillo, CA 93010-6002

Please be aware that your entire comment, including personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time.

BSEE is the permitting agency for the well conductor removal project analyzed in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis document released by BOEM today. BOEM provides NEPA support to BSEE by developing the Environmental Assessment to identify and address real and potential consequences and mitigations associated with the conductor removal project.