Public Notice: Intent to Modify Class I UIC Permit Issued to San Joaquin Refining Company Inc., Bakersfield, CA
Summary
The United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9, Groundwater Protection Section, 75 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, CA 94105 (EPA) is providing an opportunity for the public to comment on its proposal to modify the Step-Rate Test (SRT) requirements of the Class I Non-hazardous Underground Injection Control (UIC) Permit No. R9UIC-CA1-FY16-1 (Permit) for the injection facility owned and operated by San Joaquin Refining Company Inc. The injection activity is for disposal of treated, non-hazardous waste waters generated at the San Joaquin Refinery during the manufacture of products derived from heavy crude oil and related processes. The facility is located at 3500 Shell Street, Bakersfield, California - Section 23, Township 29 South, Range 27 East in Kern County, California.
The Permit requires SRTs to be conducted in each well to determine the fracture gradient of the injection zone. The facility has two injection wells WD-1 and WD-2. The proposed change will revise Part II.B.5 of the Permit to allow the fracture gradient of the injection zone from either well to be used to establish the Maximum Allowable Surface Injection Pressure (MASIP) for both wells.
The proposed change will also allow EPA to require a new SRT on WD-1 to determine fracture gradient for WD-1 if subsequent data indicates significant differences between the two wells in formation response or integrity, which may alter the calculation of the MASIP in accordance with Part II.D.3.a. of the Permit.
EPA has made a preliminary determination that the proposed Permit Modification is protective of underground sources of drinking water (USDWs), as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), and to issue the modification to the Permit pending this public notice and comment period. This action is being taken as provided by Part C of the SDWA and pursuant to Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 124, 144, and 146.
Final Permit Modification Decision and Appeals Process
After the close of the public comment period, EPA will review and consider all comments relevant to the draft modification to the Permit, modify the Permit Modification, if necessary, and issue a response to comments with EPA’s final permit modification decision. EPA will post the response to comments document on our website.
The response to comments will contain a response to all significant comments on the Draft Permit Modification and any changes in the Draft Permit Modification, along with the reasons for the changes. The final decision shall be to either approve or deny the Permit modification. The final decision shall become effective no sooner than thirty (30) days after the service of the notice of decision.
Within thirty (30) days after a final decision has been issued, any person who filed comments on the draft modification to the Permit, participated in any public hearing on the proposed modification to the Permit, or takes issue with any changes to the Permit, may petition the Environmental Appeals Board to review the decision. Commenters are referred to 40 CFR §124.19 for procedural requirements of the appeal process. If no comments request a change in the draft modification to the Permit, the Permit modification shall become effective immediately upon issuance (40 CFR § 124.15).
Applicants or Respondents
San Joaquin Refinery Company Inc.3500 Shell Street
Bakersfield, CA 93388
United States