BOEM issues environmental review for multi-well stimulation at Californian offshore platform

April 23, 2026, by Nadja Skopljak

The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has released the final environmental impact statement for proposed offshore well stimulation work at a platform off the coast of California, 28 days after the publication of the notice of intent.

The final environmental impact statement evaluates DCOR’s proposal to conduct well stimulation treatments, including hydraulic fracturing, on Platform Gilda, located on the Pacific Outer Continental Shelf offshore Ventura County.

Prepared in 28 days from the publication of the notice of intent, it incorporates technical review by BOEM subject matter experts, guided by public feedback on the scope of the analysis, and analyzes the potential environmental impacts associated with authorizing proposed treatments on up to 16 existing wells as part of the operator’s update to its development and production plan.

The release of this statement, however, does not approve or authorize the proposed activities. BOEM will issue a separate record of decision after reviewing the environmental and other relevant information.

“Gold Standard Science and transparency guide every decision we make,” said BOEM Acting Director Matt Giacona. “This final environmental impact statement represents a science-based evaluation that reflects the contributions of tribes, partners and community members who engaged in this process. Our responsibility is to ensure that any proposed offshore activity is reviewed thoroughly, consistently and with a clear commitment to environmental protection.”

The Gilda platform, installed in 1981 in approximately 205 feet of water and operated by DCOR, produces from multiple geologic formations in the Santa Clara Unit. The platform has remained in continuous operation since its installation.

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement outlines that the federal offshore platform has cumulatively produced approximately 42.62 million barrels of oil and 51.70 billion cubic feet of natural gas as of December 31, 2025.