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Community Gives Input for Future Construction of FRIB Save Email Print
Posted: 10:36 PM Nov 11, 2009
Last Updated: 7:09 AM Nov 12, 2009
Reporter: Jamie Edmonds
Email Address: jamie.edmonds@wilx.com

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Well before construction ever begins on the FRIB on MSU's campus, the Department of Energy wants to know what the neighbors think.

"Part of the environmental process is telling the public what this project is all about and if they have any advice or concerns they'd like to share," Peter Siebach of the U.S. Department of Energy said. "So we can consider that when we go through the process."

The DOE held an informative meeting for the public Wednesday to talk about what goes into building the multi-million dollar isotope accelerator.

"There's about three years of design, then in 2013 we will actually start moving dirt and starting construction to build the tunnel," Thomas Glasmacher, the FRIB project manager, said.

"There will be a trench placed 1000 feet long, 50 feet deep, and some science equipment placed in that trench," Siebach said.

The meeting was also to inform people on what to expect during the three to four years of construction, which includes the closure of Bogue street.

"Generally what you might see, as with any large construction project, is noise of course, and smog from the diesel equipment," Siebach said.

Some community members said they're concerned radiation could be released with the construction of the FRIB, but scientists said that shouldn't be a problem.

"It's not a large concern," Siebach said, "but like many facilities that generate a small amount of radiation -- hospitals or most large universities -- yea there will be radiation generated, but it will be regulated."

The people who attended Wednesday seemed satisfied with the presentation and willing to accept a little inconvenience in the future.

"If the DOE is looking to have a facility here, it will be totally worth it to the local economy to just drive around the block," East Lansing resident Lindsay Dubbs said.

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