County is Hopping with Several oil Permits coming down the pipeline

Yesterday County Planning staff held a public hearing, a normal part of the application process for a modification to a Conditional Use Permit that allows drilling for oil and extraction. 

That plan, includes two "test" wells and the company, DCOR Inc. (Dos Cuadros Offshore Resources) says they won't use hydraulic fracturing. But concerned residents say that they may be able to come back at any time and just add that in. 

The Star's article, printed online yesterday (May 22) is HERE. 

Photo: May, 2014 - a "rig" at a well. Perha

The County heard concerns from the public regarding fracking, cumulative effects, and the close vicinity of earthquake faults in that area. 

Seneca Resources, deepening wells in Sespe

In addition to this project, another larger project submitted by Seneca Resources, involving a proposal to deepen/rework three wells in a field above Piru, hit a small road bump this month when an error in the permitting process was caught by Los Padres ForestWatch. ForestWatch discovered that the applicant had submitted an incorrect CUP with their application, an older one from 1976. That permit had been updated in 1981, requiring a more in depth application process (a minor modification) for the type of work Seneca is proposing. This means that the zoning clearance granted has been revoked, and Seneca will now have to file the proper application for a minor modification. A process which includes a public hearing and environmental review. 

Seneca Resources, 8 new wells in Los Padres National Forest - 

The National Forest is accepting public comment until June 4 on this project. These wells are likely to be completed using hydraulic fracturing. For more info click HERE. 

Other proposals from oil companies are listed HERE. 

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