2026 Emergency Golden Mussels Treatment Program (Project)
Summary
SCH Number
2026090420
Public Agency
Semitropic Water Storage District
Document Title
2026 Emergency Golden Mussels Treatment Program (Project)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/10/2026
Document Description
District staff recently discovered the presence of Golden Mussels in District water conveyance system facilities. The mussels pose a clear and imminent danger to the District water conveyance system, including the District's thereof to provide essential public water service to its landowners and water users. In response to such emergency conditions, the District has adopted Resolution No. ST 26-03, making emergency findings pursuant to Public Contract Code section 22050 and authorizing emergency contracting for the Project without the need for competitive public bidding, and, in accordance therewith, the District will contract with one or more contractors for application of registered liquid copper solutions to District water supplies in its water system conveyance facilities for the purpose of eradicating, minimizing, and preventing future establishment of Golden Mussels in such facilities. Applications would occur as soon as possible, consistent with label instructions and recommended application parameters, to eliminate, mitigate and/or prevent further damage to the District's water conveyance system, limit the spread of Golden Mussels, and minimize threats to property, essential public services, and the environment. Upon completion of the application(s), existing District water conveyance system facilities damaged by Golden Mussels, if any, may be replaced.
Contact Information
Name
Jason Gianquinto
Agency Name
Semitropic Water Storage District
Job Title
General Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Location
Counties
Kern
Regions
Citywide, Southern California
Other Location Info
The Project is located within the boundaries of the Semitropic Water Storage District ("District") located within an unincorporated area of Kern County, California, and more, specifically, the District's water conveyance system facilities including canals, pipelines, pumping plants, and related facilities, affected by Golden Mussels.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Emergency Project
Type, Section or Code
Pub. Res. Code, §21080(b)(2)(4); CEQA Guidelines, §15269(b)(c)
Reasons for Exemption
Semitropic Water Storage District (District) has found and determined that the Project is statutorily exempt pursuant to CEQA for the following reasons: Golden Mussels, and invasive species, are a threat and pose a clear and imminent danger the District's water conveyance system facilities, provision of essential public services to its landowners and water users, and the environment. The Project is necessary to repair public water service facilities, maintain public water service, and mitigate and prevent emergency conditions posed by Golden Mussels. Therefore, the Project is statutorily exempt from CEQA review pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21080(b)(2)(4) and CEQA Guidelines section 15269(b)(c).
County Clerk
Kern
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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