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Climate and Air Ouality <br />Climatic conditions in West-Central Colorado are variable <br />due to the extreme topographic changes in the region; <br />consequently, many extremes are prevalent. The minesite <br />area has a semi-continental climate that receives about 15 <br />inches of precipitation yearly mainly occurring in the fall <br />and winter months. The mean annual temperature for Paonia <br />the nearest meteorological station for which data is <br />available is about 49 F, the climate is generally favorable <br />for fruit growing (apples and cherries). winds generally <br />are channelized by the North Fork Valley that runs <br />east/west. <br />Particulate air quality in the study area ranges from 20 to <br />132 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) annual geometric mean <br />as recorded at sixteen state, municipal, and private <br />operated particulate sampling sites. In undeveloped <br />sections, particulate concentrations range for 20 to 40 <br />ug/m . <br />There has been no measurement of carbon monoxide, <br />Hydrocarbon, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, or other <br />gaseous pollutants near the proposed site. Since no major <br />sources of these pollutants exist in the surrounding area, <br />concentrations are considered to be at background or natural <br />levels. <br />Visibility at the site ranges from less than 1 mile to <br />approximately 100 miles throughout the year. Average <br />visibility is about 54 miles with greatest visibility <br />occurring during spring and summer months. <br />Vegetation <br />Prominent vegetation types in the general area, as <br />identified by the applicant, include wet mixed shrub, dry <br />mixed shrub, Douglas fir, and riparian. The most prevalent <br />type in the area is the wet mixed shrub, which develops on <br />the north and east facing slopes rising to the south of the <br />river. Dense stands of serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) <br />and gambel oak (ouercus gambelii) dominate the type. The <br />riparian type, which occurs along the North Fork in the <br />vicinity of the mine is dominated by an herbaceous <br />community, with shrubs such as willow (Salix SSA.) and <br />hawthorne (Crataeaus SDp.) growing immediately adjacent to <br />the river. Stands of cottonwood (Populus anaustifolia) are <br />common in undisturbed riparian areas. <br />5 <br />