OPPORTUnITIES AnD CHALLEnGES: EXPERIEnCES In PERFORMInG RESEARCH AT THE SAnFORD UnDERGROUnD LABORATORY AT HOMESTAKE

The former Homestake mine in Lead, SD, has been chosen by the NSF as the location for the proposed Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory (DUSEL). Prior to the establishment of the federally-funded facility, an interim early science program is being facilitated by the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority, which currently operates the Sanford Laboratory. Many unique opportunities are associated with early access to the Lab site as well as a number of challenges, including access to services such as power and communications and reconciling desired experiment locations with the approved safely -accessible laboratory areas. Experience gained from observing and participating in research has led to an understanding of best practices for safely and effectively utilizing the Sanford Laboratory area and resources.