WMOD00374

• Contract/Permit #: 03-FC-81-0925
• Title: Numerical Simulations of Snowpack Augmentation for Drought Mitigation Studies in the Colorado Rocky Mountains - Final Report
• Date: 9/1/2005
• State: CO
• Weather Modification - Doc Type: Report

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During the winter of 2003-2004 approximately 25-30 percent of Colorado's
snowfields were in target areas for wintertime operational cloud seeding
programs. These programs may hold the potential to significantly increase
Colorado's headwater streamflows from the melt-off of enhanced winter
snowpack, The CWCB weather modification permit program Web site is
http://www.cwcb.state.co.uslWeatherModification/PermitProqram.htm.

State Authorities (CRS 36-20-101): The CWCB has operated the Weather
Modification Permitting Program under direction from the Executive Director's
Office - Department of Natural Resources since 1987. A letter from Greg
Walcher, Executive Director, dated August 2002, reaffirmed that agreement and
directed the CWCB to conduct hearings and make initial recommendations to the
Executive Director's Office for final approval. The CWCB acts as the state level
regulator of programs, issues permits and monitors them for compliance with
program rules and regulations and state statutes based on: the 1951 Weather
Modification Act, the 1972 Weather Modification Act, HB 92-1018, HB 92-1129,
and 5B 96-90, The state has had a weather modification-permitting program
since 1972, CWCB staff member Joe Busto was delegated the responsibilities
for this program in July 2002 by Director Rod Kuharich,

. In order to conduct weather modification activities in Colorado you need to
have a permit. In 1996 the Colorado legislature made the issuance of a
permit contingent on the following requirements:

. You must have a permit to modify the weather in Colorado

. Permits are issued for specific projects

. The person in control of the project must be qualified

. Permits are for 5 consecutive years and are renewable

. The permit fee is $100 plus a 2% commercial fee

. Use Form WM-1 (qualifications) and Form WM-2 (project details) to apply

. Applications should be submitted at least 45 days before before the beginning
of the project

. You must publish a public notice of intent to modify the weather

. A public hearinq is required

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