The decommissioning of the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory (CSO) has made significant progress since resuming in late April. The removal of the telescope dome and other structures is now complete. This is the second telescope on Maunakea that is in the final phase of decommissioning.
“Due to high winds and stormy weather in early May, we had to temporarily pause work and secure the site at various times, but we completed removal of the telescope dome and other buildings on May 30,” said Caltech physics professor and CSO Director Sunil Golwala.
Now that the buildings have been cleared from the site, the next phase involves removing the concrete foundations, pavement, underground utilities and cesspool. Once this work is finished, the restoration phase will begin. The land will be restored in accordance with the permits guiding the decommissioning process. Throughout each stage, cultural, construction, and archaeological monitors will remain present to ensure compliance.
The decommissioning is expected to be completed by the end of year. Upon completion, Caltech will monitor the site for three years to document repopulation of flora and fauna. The cost of deconstruction and site restoration is expected to exceed $4 million. Costs are being funded primarily by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the California Institute of Technology. The CSO telescope removal is made possible by the Heising-Simons Foundation.
Regular updates will be provided by CSO.
Hōkū Keʻa
The removal of the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Hōkū Keʻa Observatory on the summit of Maunakea is also underway. The decommissioning process which also includes the restoration of the site began in mid April.
