Pilot Project for Golden Mussel Treatment at Laterals 4L and 7R and Budget Agumentation
Summary
SCH Number
2026071248
Public Agency
Westlands Water District
Document Title
Pilot Project for Golden Mussel Treatment at Laterals 4L and 7R and Budget Agumentation
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/30/2026
Document Description
The Westlands Water District (District) proposes to implement a contract for application of a copper based molluscicide to the District’s existing water infrastructure, specifically at lateral numbers 7R and 4L. The application is intended to eradicate and prevent immediate resettlement of the Golden Mussel on the treated pipeline infrastructure. Pursuant to a vendor agreement, the project would apply a properly registered molluscicide that is effective in the treatment of Golden Mussels and for use on raw water for agricultural and municipal use. Applications would start as soon as possible and continue through December of 2026, but may be stopped sooner if desired control is achieved. The project will require assessment of mussel mortality and regular water quality monitoring. The application is intended to mitigate and prevent further damage to the District’s infrastructure, limit the spread of the Golden Mussel, and minimize threats to property, essential public services, and the environment. The project will also require a budget augmentation to fund Division 3 (Operations and Maintenance) expenses.
Contact Information
Name
Stephen Farmer
Agency Name
Westlands Water District
Job Title
Chief Administrative Officer
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Kelly Vandergon
Agency Name
Westlands Water District
Job Title
Deputy GM - Operations and Maintenance
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Unincorporated Area
Counties
Fresno
Regions
Northern California, Unincorporated
Other Location Info
Westlands Boundary within Fresno County, near the intersections of W. North Ave and S. Jerrold Ave. and W. Dinuba Ave. and S. Douglass Ave. alignments, respectively.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Emergency Project
Type, Section or Code
Sec. 21080(b)(2), (b)(4); 15269(b)(c)
Reasons for Exemption
Public Resources Code section 21080(b)(2) and (4) (Emergency Repairs / Emergency Projects) and CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15000 et seq.) sections 15269(b)&(c) (Emergency Repairs / Emergency Projects), 15301 (Class 1 Existing Facilities), 15304 (Class 4 Minor Alterations to Land, Water and/or Vegetation), 15307 (Class 7 Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources), and 15308 (Class 8 Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment). These exemptions apply because the pilot project is necessary to respond to an emergent, significant, and growing threat presented by the Golden Mussel to the District’s water supply infrastructure and the District’s ability to reliably deliver water to customers, and because project actions involve only the use of existing facilities, consist of minor alterations to water flowing through those facilities, and are taken to protect natural resources and the environment, including the District’s distribution system, from damage by the invasive Golden Mussel.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines §§ 15301, 15304, 15307, 15308
Reasons for Exemption
Public Resources Code section 21080(b)(2) and (4) (Emergency Repairs / Emergency Projects) and CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15000 et seq.) sections 15269(b)&(c) (Emergency Repairs / Emergency Projects), 15301 (Class 1 Existing Facilities), 15304 (Class 4 Minor Alterations to Land, Water and/or Vegetation), 15307 (Class 7 Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources), and 15308 (Class 8 Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of the Environment). These exemptions apply because the pilot project is necessary to respond to an emergent, significant, and growing threat presented by the Golden Mussel to the District’s water supply infrastructure and the District’s ability to reliably deliver water to customers, and because project actions involve only the use of existing facilities, consist of minor alterations to water flowing through those facilities, and are taken to protect natural resources and the environment, including the District’s distribution system, from damage by the invasive Golden Mussel.
County Clerk
Fresno
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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