The photo at the article header says it all: it's not as though this is a pristine, untouched site - there are already 13 'scopes up there!
Sure, the TMT is V.E.R.Y. B.I.G., but it's only an addition to what has existed for over 30 years - essentially, it's another building on a university campus on top of a mountain!
I wonder if sums of money paid to 'cultural groups' would lubricate the construction process...
Dean
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