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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />meteorologists to observe and track weather events and conditions as they approach and cross the <br />project area of interest. <br /> <br />10. Describe How Other Weather Modification Proiects (if any) Could be Affected <br />Adverselv bv the Proposed Proiect <br /> <br />NA WC is aware of one other weather modification project that will be operated during <br />the 2002-2003 winter season that is in close proximity to the proposed Gunnison County project. <br />This is a project being conducted for the Upper-Arkansas River water interests with its target <br />area north-east to east of Gunnison County. The seeding operations that NA WC conducts for <br />Gunnison County should prove beneficial not detrimental to this project (i.e. additional snowfall <br />is expected to be produced on the down-wind slopes of the mountains that comprise the target on <br />the north and east sides of Gunnison County, these areas are part of the intended target area for <br />the Denver Water Board project). <br /> <br />11. Indicate How the Proposed Proiect is Desil!ned to Minimize Risk and Maximize <br />Scientific Gains (for Research Proiects) or Economic Benefits (for Commercial Proiects) to <br />Residents of the Tarl!et Area and to Residents of Colorado <br /> <br />The answer to question #8 indicates that no significant environmental impacts are <br />expected from the project. The answer to question # 9 contains seeding suspension criteria which <br />are designed to minimize any perceived risk associated with the project. Answers to questions #4 <br />and #5 indicate the expected economic impacts of the project. These impacts will be maximized <br />by taking advantage of each seeding opportunity during the operational period on a 24/7 basis. In <br />addition, the latest operational techniques (i.e. seeding agent formulations) and procedures will <br />be utilized by NA WC in the performance of this project. <br /> <br />12. Describe the Sil!nificant Ecolol!ical Impacts Which May Result from the Proiect Such <br />as How Precipitation Patterns Mil!ht be Chanl!ed and How Increased Runoff Would Affect <br />Erosion <br /> <br />Based upon prior winter orographic research programs conducted by the Bureau of <br />Reclamation (ASCE, 1995), and upon NA WC's extensive experience in conducting and <br />evaluating such projects, no significant ecological impacts are expected to be produced from the <br />conduct of this project. No significant shifts in precipitation patterns are expected. The <br />anticipated changes in target area precipitation would fall within the range ofthe natural <br />variability of these areas. Seeding operations would be suspended in winters with heavy snowfall <br />such that the highest naturally observed snowpacks in these areas would not be exceeded. <br />Therefore, the existing stream channels would handle any augmented streamflow. <br /> <br />13 <br />