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iHENNEPIN WESTMESONET <br />Frequently Asked Questions <br />Q: How much does a station cost? <br />A: Stations are located on lands which are owned by Hennepin County, or on lands of other public <br />jurisdictions or corporate partners by agreement. Station equipment costs around $9,000 to obtain with <br />basic sensors. Mesonet technicians install and maintain the equipment and the site. Site study and <br />installation costs are variable depending on the requirements for the location. Cell data transmission <br />from each station cost about $300 dollars a year. <br />Q: What standards are used to set-up and maintain the HennepinWest Mesonet? <br />A: The standards used to select station sites and to set-up sensor instruments are from the World <br />Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United States National Weather Service (NWS). The <br />calibration, maintenance and sensor replacement standards are those used by the Oklahoma Mesonet, <br />the pioneering first Mesonet established in the nation. <br />Q: Is the data available to the public? <br />A: Yes. The HennepinWest website has a lot of useful data and graphics. It can be found at <br /><http; hennepinwestmesonet, org> <br />Q: Is the Mesonet just used for natural hazards like extreme weather? <br />A: No. Accurate and up-to-the-minute weather data from a nearby sensor station is crucial for <br />emergency response leaders to take actions and make quick evacuation decisions for accidents where <br />toxic chemicals are spilled. Reliable local weather data is also vital for fighting fires. The data is also <br />critical to respond to a terrorist attack where chemical, radiological or biological agents are dispersed. <br />Q: Are there other uses for the Mesonet besides public safety? <br />A: Yes. Anyone needing very accurate, locally specific weather data can use the HennepinWest Mesonet. <br />Sectors that should consult this data include agriculture, transportation, construction, building <br />heating/cooling engineers, turf grass and landscape managers, environmental monitors, and others. <br />Mesonet data can also be used for academic research. Residents who just want to keep up on the <br />weather should also consult the Mesonet. <br />