How will the water quality of water found or used in the tunnel be handled to assure that once disposed, it does not affect the water quality of Icicle Creek?
A20: Any water pumped from the tunnels will be stored and monitored for quality and temperature. The underground laboratory will have to meet standards specified by the Department of Ecology for release or discharge of any water. These standards would, among other things, limit solids and define an acceptable temperature range. There are several possibilities for returning the water to the environment, including use of Icicle Creek and an injection gallery that deposits water underground. The underground laboratory will have full-time environmental officers who will be in charge of water quality and other environmental issues. They would work closely with state officials who regulate water discharges.
