Combined Array of Research in Millimeter-wave Astronomy

The Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-wave Astronomy (CARMA) is a project to combine arrays of radio telescopes (antennas): six antennas (10.4 meters in diameter) previously operated by Caltech at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO) near Big Pine, California; and nine antennas (6.1 meters in diameter) operated by U.C. Berkeley, the University of Illinois, and the University of Maryland (BIMA) at Hat Creek in Shasta County, California.  Eight new 3.5-meter antennas from the University of Chicago also joined the project. The combined array is located at a new high-elevation site in the Inyo National Forest.  Aspen prepared an EIS/EIR for the project for the Forest Service and University of California. Aspen’s support in obtaining permits for this project included:

• Support to Caltech in preparing a Preliminary Project Description, Approach to Public Involvement, and Detailed Permit Plan and Schedule, focusing on the Upper Harkless Flat site in the Inyo Mountains east of Big Pine, California.

• Support to Caltech in responding to the Forest Service’s Notice of Intent and Draft EIS on National Forest System roadless area rulemaking.

• Update Detailed Permit Plan, with focus on Special-Use Permit and other permitting for Juniper Flat site, also in the Inyo Mountains, east of Big Pine.

• Special-Use Permit Application to Inyo National Forest for Juniper Flat site (with Lower Harkless Flat and Cedar Flat presented as acceptable alternative sites).

• Wildlife Technical Reports for Juniper Flat and Lower Harkless Flat and Cedar Flat.