4Authorisation of cloud seeding operations

4 Authorisation of cloud seeding operations

4 Authorisation of cloud seeding operations

(1) Cloud seeding operations designed to increase precipitation by the discharge of a seeding agent into passing clouds are authorised to be carried out by or on behalf of Snowy Hydro Limited in accordance with this Act.

(2) The authorisation is subject to the following conditions:

(a) the area to be primarily targeted for the increased precipitation is land within the Snowy water catchment,

(b) operations may be carried out only if there is an approved EMP,

(c) operations must be carried out in accordance with the approved EMP (whether being carried out within or outside the Snowy water catchment),

(d) the seeding agent used must be an approved seeding agent and used in accordance with the conditions (if any) of its approval as a seeding agent,

(e) the tracing agent used must be an approved tracing agent and used in accordance with the conditions (if any) of its approval as a tracing agent,

(f) the seeding agent and tracing agent must be discharged by the use of an approved method,

(g) the discharge must be carried out in accordance with the conditions (if any) of its approval as a method of discharge,

(h) the discharge of the seeding agent is to be carried out at a time when increased precipitation in the Snowy water catchment is likely to fall as snow at an elevation above 1400 metres from the mean sea level,

(i) Snowy Hydro Limited must consult with the National Parks and Wildlife Service before carrying out any new operations involving a land-based method of discharge of seeding or tracing agent within any area of land reserved under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (that is, operations in an area that has not been the subject of previous consultation with the Service),

(j) Snowy Hydro Limited must consult with the National Parks and Wildlife Service before installing, or carrying out major modifications to, any facilities required to carry out cloud seeding operations within any area of land reserved under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974,