Arroyo Pasajero and Zapato Chino Creek Recharge Pilot Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026090653
Public Agency
Westlands Water District
Document Title
Arroyo Pasajero and Zapato Chino Creek Recharge Pilot Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/16/2026
Document Description
WWD proposes to conduct a short-term groundwater recharge pilot involving controlled releases of surface water from existing district infrastructure into the beds of Arroyo Pasajero Creek and Zapato Chino Creek. The pilot will evaluate infiltration capacity, wetted reach, and recharge performance using existing turnouts and existing private or WWD access points. No grading, excavation, bank alteration, structure installation, or new permanent facilities are involved. Flows are from existing WWD water supplies already used for irrigation and recharge. The purpose of the pilot is to improve groundwater sustainability and inform future recharge planning.
Contact Information
Name
Stephen Farmer
Agency Name
Westlands Water District
Job Title
Chief Administrative Officer
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
near the City of Huron
Counties
Fresno
Regions
Southern California, Unincorporated
Other Location Info
Fresno County, along Arroyo Pasajero Creek from the Coalinga Canal to Westlands Water District (WWD) property near the City of Huron, and along Zapato Chino Creek downstream from Jayne Avenue (west of Interstate 5).
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301, 15304, including 15304(h) and 15304(i), and 15306
Reasons for Exemption
This Project is found categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”). The Project is categorically exempt from CEQA under §15301, as the operation of the existing facility involves negligible change of existing or former use. The pilot uses only existing water-delivery infrastructure, existing access points, and an existing natural creek channel. Work is fully contained within disturbed areas that routinely convey stormwater.
The Project is categorically exempt from CEQA under §15304 as the Project consists of minor, temporary alterations to land and water that do not involve any ground disturbance, grading, or construction of new facilities. No healthy or mature vegetation will be removed, and the pilot will not alter the bed or banks of the creeks. All activities are reversible, short in duration, and will not create permanent environmental effects.
The Project is categorically exempt from CEQA under §15306 as the Project consists of basic data collection, research, and resource evaluation activities that do not result in a serious or major disturbance to environmental resources. The pilot is intended to collect operational, hydrologic, and environmental performance data to inform future groundwater recharge planning.
County Clerk
Fresno
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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