Correia Family Dairy Farms Expansion

The Correia Family Dairy Farms Expansion project, managed under Conditional Use Permit CUP21-009 by the Merced County Community and Economic Development Department, involves the modification and expansion of an existing dairy facility in Gustine, California. The project will increase the animal population by 3,945, bringing the total herd to 6,075 animals, consisting of 3,000 milk cows, 390 dry cows, and 2,685 support stock. This expansion requires the conversion of 11.4 acres of cropland to accommodate 474,831 square feet of new construction, including five freestall barns, two loafing barns, a new milking parlor, a replacement domestic well, a manure drying area, feed storage areas, and two solid manure weeping walls. The project is subject to rigorous environmental oversight under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), with a Final Environmental Impact Report addressing air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, hydrology, and biological resources. Key compliance requirements include adhering to Rule 4570 for large dairy confined animal facilities, implementing a Nutrient Management Plan developed by a certified specialist, and obtaining Waste Discharge Requirements permits from the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. Construction is scheduled to occur between May 12, 2025, and December 31, 2026, and must comply with federal and state OSHA regulations, California seismic safety requirements, and specific protocols for the protection of archaeological and biological resources.