The California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CALGEM), with the pending agreement from the State Water Resources Control Board, is reviewing a proposal to expand the area of an aquifer that is already exempt from certain groundwater protections.
The proposed aquifer exemption would allow the State to approve certain underground injections in this area to aid oil support recovery, while still following the Safe Drinking Water Act. The aquifer is not being used for drinking water, and there is no expectation that it will be used for that purpose in the future due to its production of oil in visible amounts.
CALGEM and the State Water Board also agree that the injected fluids will be expected to stay within the designated area. According to the agencies, the geology and natural underground barriers in the area should prevent injected fluids from moving into water sources that are or could be used for drinking, farming, or other purposes.
The proposed expansion covers the hydrocarbon-producing portions of the Kern County Reservoir, including the Kern County River and upper Chanac Formations, located beneath the Kern River Oil Field approximately two miles northeast of Bakersfield.
A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at 11000 River Run Blvd. Bakersfield, CA.
Comments from the public may be submitted no later than 5:00 pm on Dec. 22. Written comments may be submitted via email to comments@conservation.ca.gov, or faxed at (916) 324-0948.
For additional information, you can visit https://www.conservation.ca.gov/calgem/Pages/Aquifer-Exemptions-Status.aspx
