Correia Family Dairy Farms Expansion

The Correia Family Dairy Farms Expansion project in Gustine, California, aims to significantly scale up dairy operations by increasing the animal capacity from its current level to a total of 6,075 animals, marking an expansion of 3,945 animals. The project involves the construction of five new freestall barns, two new loafing barns, a new milking parlor, and a replacement dairy well, all situated at the existing facility located at 26380 W. Fahey Road. The development is governed by California-specific environmental regulations rather than federal acquisition frameworks, with Merced County’s Community and Economic Development Department serving as the lead agency. Compliance with CEQA and mandates from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, State Water Resources Control Board, and CalGEM is central to the project’s approval process. Key environmental performance benchmarks include a 29% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, adherence to Best Performance Standards for dust, odor, and lighting controls, and implementation of nutrient management, stormwater management, and erosion control measures. The project’s timeline for construction spans from May 12, 2025, to December 1, 2026, with finishing work extending through the end of that year. Environmental impact assessments have identified critical evaluation criteria such as air quality, water quality, land use compatibility, biological and cultural resources, greenhouse gas emissions, and nuisance conditions, all rated using adjectival significance levels like Less-than-Significant, Potentially Significant, and Significant/Unmitigable. While no formal federal contract clauses, pricing structures, or procurement evaluation methodologies are documented, the project requires certifications from the dairy operators and a Certified Nutrient Management Specialist to affirm compliance with regulatory standards, including the State’s General Order R5-2007-0035. Ongoing reporting obligations include annual submission of nutrient management records, monitoring data, and land application records to the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. The facility operator, Ezequiel Correia, Jr., along with related legal owners and technical consultants, are responsible for implementation, while government agencies maintain oversight and enforcement authority. There is no indication of federal funding, federal contracting mechanisms such as WAWF invoicing, or designated federal contracting officers; the project operates under state and local land use and environmental permitting frameworks with a focus on regulatory compliance rather than competitive procurement.