How and when will the public have an opportunity to provide input on the proposal near Leavenworth?
A8: The formal mechanisms for public involvement are through the permitting and environmental impact statement processes. State and federal governmental agencies will require the project to go through a very careful, open process in which every aspect of the project – environmental, social, economic, and technical — will be examined. Both proponents and opponents will be able to comment and raise questions and concerns. These processes typically take at least two years and are designed to be fair to all parties, to provide accurate information to everyone concerned, and to reach a decision that serves the best interests of the community and the state. Another mechanism for public involvement is more informal, and has to do with our hopes for working with local citizens. As you know, we decided to come to the citizens of Leavenworth and Chelan County very early, in order to share our ideas about the potential of the underground laboratory well before writing a proposal. This approach i
