Update
As of October 28, 2019, the following forms must be submitted through the operator-access-only WellSTAR electronic database:
WellSTAR Form Descriptions
Each form in WellSTAR requires that a Form Description be entered. Please apply the following form descriptions when completing the listed forms in WellSTAR for WST:
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Well Stimulation Permit Application
- For applications for a group of wells:
[Operator Name]_[Project ID*]_[Total # of Wells in Project]_[WST API]_WSTApp
Example: OilCompany_052-1234_12_12345678_WSTApp
*Project ID Format: [Field Code]-[Sequential Number of Project]
Example:
South Belridge Oil Field
Field Code: 052
Sequential Project Number: 0001, 0002, 0003, ...etc.
Example: 052-0001
For assistance with WST Project IDs, please contact
WST@conservation.ca.gov
- For an application for a single well:
[Operator Name]_[WST API]_WSTApp
Example: OilCompany_12345678_WSTApp
*If an API is not available at the time of submission, please use the Well Name/Number
-
Neighbor Notification
[Operator Name]_[Oil/Gas Field]_WSTNN
For No Neighbor Notification –
[Operator Name]_[Oil/Gas Field]_WSTNoNN
*Submit Neighbor Notifications only on a per field basis.
-
Analytical Sample Data
For Base Fluid samples:
[Operator Name]_[Base Fluid Name]_WSTBase
For Recovered Fluid samples:
Recovered Fluid One:
[Operator Name]_[WST Permit Number]_WSTRF1
Recovered Fluid Two:
[Operator Name]_[WST Permit Number]_WSTRF2
-
Upload Test Results
For Casing Integrity Pressure Tests:
[Operator Name]_[WST Permit Number]_WSTCIT
For Tubing Integrity Pressure Tests:
[Operator Name]_[WST Permit Number]_WSTTbg
For Surface Equipment Pressure Tests:
[Operator Name]_[WST Permit Number]_WSTSurf
Well Stimulation Process Guidelines
Well stimulation treatments shall not begin without a valid permit approved by CalGEM and compliance with all regulatory requirements administered by other federal, State, tribal, or local agencies.
Please use the following guidelines to navigate the WST permit process. All code sections refer to California Code of Regulations, Title 14, unless otherwise specified.
Select a topic to view guidelines for each step in the WST process:
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Pre-Well Stimulation Treatment
-
C. Perform Pressure Testing
- Notify appropriate CalGEM district and CalGEM Headquarters (HQ) via email at least 24 hours prior to conducting well integrity and surface equipment pressure tests.
- Use the following guidelines for email subject lines:
- 24-hour Well Integrity Pressure Test Witness Notice (Casing)
- Format: 24_CIT_[API]_[Permit Number]_[Field Name]
- Example: 24_CIT_12345678_ P123-4567_South Forty
- 24-hour Tubing Integrity Pressure Test Witness Notice
- Format: 24_TBG_[API]_[Permit Number]_[Field Name]
- Example: 24_TBG_12345678_ P123-4567_South Forty
- 24-hour Surface Equipment Pressure Test Witness Notice
- Format: 24_SURF_[API]_[Permit Number]_[Field Name]
- Example: 24_SURF_12345678_ P123-4567_South Forty
- Conduct each test no more than 30 days prior to beginning well stimulation treatment.
- Pressure testing shall not begin until all operations that could affect well integrity or the integrity of the equipment are complete.
- All cemented casing strings and tubing strings shall be tested in accordance with section
1784(a)(1).
- All surface equipment shall be tested in accordance with section
1784(a)(2).
- Provide charting of well integrity pressure testing to the appropriate CalGEM district and CalGEM Headquarters (HQ) not less than 12 hours before beginning well stimulation treatment.
-
D. Submit 72-Hour Notification
- Complete and submit the
72 Hour Notification form in WellSTAR at least 72 hours prior to beginning well stimulation treatment.
- Submit all supporting documentation for 72 Hour Notifications through WellSTAR, including:
- Directional drilling survey
- Declaration of Notice form
- Casing/tubing integrity test results
- Cement evaluation log
- State Water Resources Control Board approval letter for a Groundwater Monitoring Plan or Request for Exclusion.
- Submit any changes from the original application for the well to be stimulated.
-
E. Submit 3-15 Hour Notification
- Submit notification to the appropriate CalGEM district and CalGEM Headquarters (HQ) via email.
- Use the following guideline for email subject lines:
- Format: 3_WIT_[API]_[Permit #]_[Field Name]
- Example: 3_WIT_12345678_ P123-4567_South Forty
-
During Well Stimulation Treatment
- Ensure continuous monitoring and recording of parameters pursuant to section
1785(a).
- Monitor and evaluate seismic activity (magnitude 2.7 or greater) occurring within 5 times the Axial Dimensional Stimulation Area (ADSA) of the well.
- Perform diagnostic testing of any event causing the termination of well stimulation treatment operations under section
1785(b). Note: Immediate submittal of data to CalGEM is required.
- Promptly notify CalGEM and other appropriate agencies of an unauthorized release of stimulation fluids. Submit a written report as required by section
1786(a)(6) within 5 days of the occurrence.
-
Post-Well Stimulation Treatment
- Complete and submit the
Well Stimulation Disclosure form in WellSTAR within 60 days of the completion of the WST.
- Submit all supporting documentation for WST disclosures through WellSTAR, including:
- Perform seismic monitoring from the start of hydraulic fracturing until 10 days after the end of hydraulic fracturing.
- Monitor well pressure at least once every 2 days during the first 30 days after well stimulation treatment and report the information to CalGEM using the Post-Well Stimulation Treatment Report form.
- Monitor annular pressure in the treatment well and submit to CalGEM annually.
- Perform follow-up water sampling and report results, if requested, pursuant to section
1783.3.
Well Maintenance
Well stimulation does not include routine work that does not exceed the formation fracture gradient and does not involve emplacing acid in the well at a fluid volume greater than the Acid Volume Threshold (AVT). Any questions about whether a well maintenance treatment qualifies as well stimulation should be directed to CalGEM before commencing.
For additional information regarding well maintenance, please visit
Well Maintenance and Cleanout History.
