The California Department of Conservation (DOC) released a Draft Environmental Impact Report on Jan. 14 regarding the use of oil and gas well stimulation treatments in California.

This began a 62-day public comment period, which will include six meetings around the state in February. Written comments must be submitted by March 16.

State Oil and Gas Supervisor Dr. Steven Bohlen said the draft EIR “finds that most of the significant environmental impacts identified can be reduced to the level of ‘less-than-significant,’ including potential impacts to groundwater and surface water, as well as the threat of seismic activity.”

He added, “With the regulations and the newly formulated proposed mitigation measures in place, DOGGR is confident well stimulation treatment activities can continue in California without the kind of environmental problems that have plagued well stimulation treatment in other states with lesser levels of environmental protection.”

The draft EIR describes the process of hydraulic fracturing, acid fracturing and acid matrix stimulation of existing and future oil and gas wells in the state. It addresses environmental issues including air quality, geology and soils, noise and vibration, hydrology and water quality, and greenhouse gas emissions.

The report can be viewed online or at any of  DOGGR’s six district offices,

Comments on the document must be submitted in writing on or before March 16, 2015. Written comments can be sent to:

Ms. Adele Lagomarsino
Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resource
801 K Street, MS 18-00
Sacramento, CA 95814