Fermilab

June 3, 2002

Dear Neighbor:

In the last four weeks you may again have heard some loud blasting that took place at Fermilab. Today, I'm happy to let you know that the S.A. Healy construction company, the contractor for the project, has completed all excavation work for the Neutrinos at the Main Injector (NuMI) project at Fermilab. The last blast took place on Friday, May 31, at 6:30 p.m.

S.A. Healy has carried out more than 400 blasts, and I appreciate the patience you have shown, especially because many of the blasts were louder than we expected. Now the most difficult part of the 170-million-dollar project is complete. Miners have removed more than 2,000 truckloads of rock to create 4,000 feet of tunnels and two large underground halls. Scientists will use the new space to create a laboratory in which they will study neutrinos, perhaps the most mysterious particle in the universe.

The NuMI construction is now entering its next phase. Contractors will work on transforming the empty underground halls into excellent science laboratories. Early next year, construction of two service buildings will begin above ground. One of the new buildings (see graphic) will be built on Pine Street, near the Fermilab entrance.

We realize that the NuMI construction will continue to affect the neighborhood, and we will continue to work with you to minimize the impact it has. Please feel free to give me a call at 630-840-3351 to share your concerns or request additional information. You can also visit our Community Forum on-line at www.fnal.gov/pub/about/community/ to submit questions and comments, or browse through answers to questions submitted in the past. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,

Kurt Riesselmann
Fermilab Office of Public Affairs

P.S. In case you haven't read it in the newspapers: Since May 23, visitors may enter the Fermilab site by car to go and watch the buffalo. You can see more than 60 buffalo, including two dozen calves born after April 23. For any other outdoor activity - like fishing, hiking or bird watching - you can park your car at the gates and enter the Fermilab site by foot or bike. All buildings, except the Lederman Science Center, are still closed to the public. For the latest information on site access, please call 630-840-3351.

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