Golden Valley Pistachio Process Waste Water Discharge
Summary
SCH Number
2025050393
Public Agency
City of Chowchilla
Document Title
Golden Valley Pistachio Process Waste Water Discharge
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/9/2025
Document Description
The facility is a nut processing facility that currently operates under Waste Discharge
Requirements (WDRs) issued by the Central Valley Water Board related to the discharge of treated wastewater. The operator intends to use an additional 14.78-acre parcel (APN 002-350-017) across the street from their facility. This parcel is currently under almond cultivation.
The facility utilizes highly efficient dry peelers during the hulling process, significantly
reducing water usage by eliminating the need for water in the initial hull removal stage. Following hulling, residual hulls adhering to the pistachios are removed using Loose Hull Remover (LHR) machines that employ water to rinse and separate remaining materials. The pistachios are then conveyed through a float tank for separation of blank nuts and receive a final rinse prior to drying.
The rinse water generated during these operations is routed through a pressure screen filtration system followed by a vertical mesh sieve, which removes organic debris and suspended solids. The filtered process water is collected in a storage tank and transported by truck for off-site application. The facility intends to irrigate 14.58 acres of almonds with the process water. Water will be applied using a mounted spray system. The process water does not contain hazardous or industrial chemicals. It originates solely from food-grade rinsing operations and contains beneficial nutrients such as potassium, which support almond tree health and productivity. This practice promotes sustainable agriculture by conserving freshwater resources, recycling rinse water, and enhancing soil fertility. The quality of the discharge water is periodically monitored through a certified laboratory to verify its suitability for agricultural irrigation and to ensure environmentally responsible reuse. Any future expansions of the facility in regard to building square footage or land used for production purposes may require an additional land use permit.
Contact Information
Name
Jaime Quintana
Agency Name
City of Chowchilla
Job Title
Director of Community & Economic Development
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Masood Khezri
Agency Name
Golden Valley Pistachio Co.
Job Title
Owner
Contact Types
Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Chowchilla
Counties
Madera
Regions
Citywide
Cross Streets
Ave 24 1/2 and Commerce Dr
Zip
93610
Total Acres
14.78
Parcel #
002-350-017
State Highways
99
Railways
Union Pacific
Airports
Chowchilla Municipal
Schools
Chowchilla HS
Waterways
Berrenda Slough
Township
9S
Range
16E
Section
29
Base
MDB&M
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Sec 15304, Class 4
Reasons for Exemption
This project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per CEQA Guidelines section 15061 (b)(3). Section 15061 (b)(3) states that "CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA." There is no possibility that this project may have a significant effect on the environment and, therefore, the project is not subject to CEQA. Reason why the project is exempt:
This project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per CEQA Guidelines section 15061 (b)(3). Section 15061 (b)(3) states that "CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA." There is no possibility that this project may have a significant effect on the environment and, therefore, the project is not subject to CEQA.
This project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per CEQA Guidelines Section 15304. Class 4 (Minor Alterations to Land) applies to minor public or private alterations of the condition of land, water, or vegetation that do not include the removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry and agricultural purposes. The exemption includes grading on land with a slope of less than 10% or new gardening or landscaping.
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
Section 15061 (b)(3)
Reasons for Exemption
This project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per CEQA Guidelines section 15061 (b)(3). Section 15061 (b)(3) states that "CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA." There is no possibility that this project may have a significant effect on the environment and, therefore, the project is not subject to CEQA. Reason why the project is exempt: This project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per CEQA Guidelines section 15061 (b)(3). Section 15061 (b)(3) states that "CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA." There is no possibility that this project may have a significant effect on the environment and, therefore, the project is not subject to CEQA.
County Clerk
Madera
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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