Sanford Lab the result of determination, hard work

This event celebrates the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority’s efforts in regaining access to the 4,850-level in Homestake. Their efforts represent a critical milestone in creating the Sanford Lab and ultimately the National Science Foundation’s DUSEL project by preparing the site and reintroducing physics experiments into Homestake — the birthplace of neutrino astrophysics nearly 40 years ago.

This achievement required agility in dealing with situations, as Homestake was re-entered for the first time since 2003. The Authority team, including its staff, contractors, and scientific collaborators, expeditiously overcame challenges to regaining the 4850-level, including maintaining safe access, re-introducing utilities, installing pumps, and dealing with the accumulated water. I am particularly pleased with how the S.D. Science and Technology Authority deals with the water – cleansing it of accumulated impurities and reintroducing it into nearby streams under the watchful eye of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.