Record of decision (ROD) for the Outrigger Telescopes Project : Mauna Kea Science Reserve, Island of Hawaii

Author:

NASA Science Mission Directorate,

Title:

Record of decision (ROD) for the Outrigger Telescopes Project : Mauna Kea Science Reserve, Island of Hawaii

Periodical:

Outrigger

Year:

2005

Pages:

31

Subject:

Mauna Kea Science Reserve Astronomical observatories environmental aspects Mauna Kea Environmental impact analysis Mauna Kea Environmental monitoring Mauna Kea Outrigger Telescope Project W.M. Keck Observatory

Summary:

Understanding whether or not we are alone in the universe requires knowledge about the building blocks of life, the conditions necessary to sustain life, and the diversity of planets -- particularly those that might harbor life. Acquiring knowledge in all of these areas is the goal of the National Aeronautics Space Administration's (NASA) Origins Program. In pursuit of this knowledge, NASA supports space flight missions, related research programs, and technology development. Interferometry is a critical technology for accomplishing the Origins Program. It is a technique for overcoming an inherent limitation of single telescopes. The "sharpness" or amount of image detail is limited by the size of the telescope's main mirror. An interferometer combines two or more telescopes optically so they function as if they were a single larger telescope and can measure positions of stars with exquisite accuracy. NASA developed interferometry for use both in space and on the ground. Ground-based interferometers are essential for projects that require a longer operating life than is possible with a space flight mission. They can also involve telescopes that are larger and more sensitive than the ones that can be flown in space. The Outrigger Telescopes Project was part of NASA's program to develop ground-based interferometry. A Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was prepared to support decision-making on whether to fund the on-site construction, installation, and operation of four, and possibly up to six, Outrigger Telescopes at the W. M. Keck Observatory within the Mauna Kea Science Reserve on the summit of Mauna Kea, island of Hawaii. NASA's decision to prepare an EIS recognized the deep concerns and feelings expressed for Mauna Kea by members and representatives of the Native Hawaiian Community. Five public scoping meetings on the islands of Hawaii and Oahu in January 2004 and accepted public scoping comments until February 16, 2004. Based on the comments received, the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and Section 106 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) themselves, the decision was made to fund the on-site construction, installation, and operation of four, and possibly up to six, Outrigger Telescopes at the W. M. Keck Observatory (WMKO) within the Mauna Kea Science Reserve (MKSR) on the summit of Mauna Kea, island of Hawaii. This was NASA's preferred alternative as described in the Final EIS for the Outrigger Telescopes Project issued on February 2, 2005. This decision was subject to the availability of funds. As part of this decision, NASA would ensure that all specified mitigation and monitoring measures detailed in the Final EIS (including Appendices) would be carried out if the Outrigger Telescopes Project was implemented at the WMKO site. In addition, NASA would ensure compliance with conditions imposed on the Project through the State of Hawaii permitting and approval process. Where Project mitigation and monitoring measures differed from conditions imposed through the State of Hawaii permitting and approval process, NASA would ensure compliance with the State-imposed conditions. Finally, through construction contracts entered into by the California Association for Research in Astronomy (CARA), NASA would ensure that ultra low-sulfur diesel fuel and particle traps are used for any Outrigger Telescopes Project construction after 2006, provided that such fuel would be reasonably available on the island of Hawaii. If the construction, installation, and operation of the Outrigger Telescopes at the W. M. Keck Observatory site would not proceed, it was felt that the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC) site in the Canary Islands, Spain would be an environmentally acceptable alternative. Consequently, NASA would be free to pursue locating four to six Outrigger Telescopes at that site. Although the two Reduced Science Option sites (i.e., the Mount Wilson and Mount Palomar, California sites) would only satisfy one of the objectives of NASA's six ground-based interferometry science objectives, it was felt that construction, installation, and operation of four Outrigger Telescopes at either of these two sites would not have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. Therefore, if the Project does not proceed at the WMKO site for any reason, NASA may also pursue locating four Outrigger Telescopes at either Mount Wilson or Mount Palomar. NASA also reserves the right not to proceed with the Outrigger Telescopes Project at any site, i.e., the No-Action Alternative.

Collection:

EIS