Final environmental assessment for the W. M. Keck Observatory Outrigger Telescopes Project. March 2002
- Author:
-
University of Hawaii, Institute for Astronomy
- Title:
- Final environmental assessment for the W. M. Keck Observatory Outrigger Telescopes Project. March 2002
- Periodical:
- Outrigger
- Year:
- 2002
- Subject:
-
Outrigger Telescope Project
W.M. Keck Observatory
Hydrology
Geophysical surveys Mauna Kea
Environmental impact analysis Mauna Kea
- Summary:
- The California Association for Research in Astronomy (CARA) asked the University of Hawaii, through its Institute for Astronomy (UH IfA), for permission to construct and operate six 1.8-meter telescopes on the W. M. Keck Observatory site within the Mauna Kea Science Reserve. These new telescopes -- called "Outriggers" -- would be placed around the two existing 10-meter Keck Telescopes. A complex optical system would combine the light received simultaneously by various combinations of the Outriggers and the Keck telescopes to create a high resolution synthesized image. The Outriggers would be a permanent addition to the existing facility. UH IfA independently reviewed this Final Environmental Assessment, prepared for the Outrigger Telescopes Project by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and determined that it represented an accurate and adequate analysis of the scope and level of associated environmental impacts and mitigating measures. UH IfA also reviewed and commented on the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among NASA, the State Historic Preservation Officer and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, which was prepared to comply with the requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act. Based on the significance criteria set forth in Section 11-2---12 of the EIS Rules, UH IfA determined that the proposed project will not produce significant effects on the environment if the mitigating measures stipulated in the EA and MOA were strictly followed. Accordingly, a finding of no significant impact was appropriate and the preparation of a full environmental impact statement is not required.
- URL:
- http://oeqc2.doh.hawaii.gov/EA_EIS_Library/2002-03-23-HA-FEA-Keck-Observatory-Outrigger-Telescopes.PDF
- Collection:
- EIS