Hissing and smells coming from wells

SJVAPCD Compliant Number S-2402-015. Public records are being requested.

February 2024

• Feb 13: CalGEM and the SJVAPCD conducted an inspection.
• SJVAPCD inspectors responded within 15 minutes of the initial complaint and found a valve had been left open, releasing steam and water vapor. No gas leaks detected.
• Methane leaks were detected by CalGEM using a FLIR camera. A Notice of Violation was issued (Compliance ID 12349444)

April 2024

• CalGEM began root cause analysis
• SJVAPCD: determined the site was not subject to their rules due to API gravity levels lower than 20. Case closed for District.

May-June

• No specific updates provided, ongoing coordination between agencies to verify cause of leak and if the API gravity exempted the site from GOGR as well

July 2024

• CalGEM continued investigation, still reviewing site's API gravity.

August 2024

• CalGEM still waiting for the operator's root cause analysis to determine mishap or lack of maintenance.

September 2024

• CalGEM reinspected the facility on Sep 4th. One leak was repaired, but a new leak was found. Another inspection was scheduled within the 30-day follow-up window.

November 2024

• CalGEM noted the operator continued repairs, but new leaks emerged due to pressure changes. Operator argued they were exempt from both SJVAPCD and CalGEM COGR rules due to API gravity. CalGEM clarified that GOGR regulations are independent of local air district exemptions.

December 2024 - January 2025

• No updates, operator still repairing tanks due to new leaks appearing elsewhere on tanks

February 2025 - March 2025

• No updates

April 2025

• CalGEM determined remaining leaks were from tank seams, which are permitted under their regulatory program, Since no violations could be found for these components, the case was closed.