Laserfiche WebLink
<br />OOJll1 <br /> <br />Certain results of cloud seeding, such as increased snowpack, can be <br />significant and beneficial rather than adverse due to the controlling <br />factors of the project design and project suspension criteria. Project <br />suspension criteria precludes cloud seeding activity during weather <br />conditions that could jeopardize public safety or cause environmental <br />damage. A recent example development of a successful suspension criteria <br />system by the Bureau is the experience in the Sierra Cooperative Pilot <br />Project [12, 17]. <br /> <br />Many environmental and social questions identified with precipita- <br />tion enhancement have been disposed of through the experience of <br />past research and operational programs. Others will require <br />continued data collection and monitoring over a longer term in <br />order to judge their importance and impact. As Howell stated, <br />monitoring of cloud seeding effects over a longer term is needed in <br />order to develop a reliable picture of some of the environmental <br />results of its application. The proposed CREST demonstration <br />program will provide an opportunity to enlarge the existing base- <br />line and improve our understanding. Responses of the vegetative <br />regime are of particular interest because of its comparative <br />sensitivity and its key place in the food chain. <br /> <br />E. The CREST Demonstration <br /> <br />The objective of the CREST demonstration is to test the ability of cloud <br />seeding to produce additional water in two CRB subbasins and to measure <br />the amount of the increase. Only two of the possible six high-yield <br />subbasins will be selected for the test. Tests in a southern and a <br />northern subbasin are preferred in order to account for differences in <br />storm patterns and terrain characteristics. <br /> <br />A second CREST goal is to conduct transferability studies in the other <br />high yield subbasins to assist in the evaluation of Basin-wide operational <br />potential that will be conducted at the end of CREST. Transferability <br />studies do not include seeding clouds to increase precipitation. They <br />include diagnosis of the types of storms crossing the areas to learn which <br />of them have the right conditions for seeding, and transport and diffusion <br />studies and modeling to assist in designing future networks of ground <br />generators and airborne seeding flight tracks. <br /> <br />A third CREST goal is to continue the Bureau's environmental and social <br />studies in preparation for environmental compliance should an operational <br />program be considered at the conclusion of the demonstration. Also, <br />public involvement programs will be conducted in cooperation with Basin <br />States to assess the societal pluses and minuses associated with increas- <br />ing snowfall and snowpack, what the tradeoffs may be, and what mitigations <br />on balance may be required. Intertwined with these objectives is the <br />concept that the amount of new water must be quantified, its value and the <br />value of its products ascertained, and the social costs and benefits <br />identified. <br /> <br />14 <br />