Seismic Experiment

Re “Underground Blasts To Test Quake Theory,” Jan. 17.

As residents of Northridge, we are alarmed at the cavalier attitude of the scientific community in proposing to conduct the Los Angeles Region Seismic Experiment without taking into consideration the possibility of severe consequences.

We spent months of anguish, hard work and a great sum of money putting our home back together after the 1994 earthquake. We are not willing to undergo any unnecessary ground shaking and possible damage to our property for the sake of science or any other reason.

This article was the first we had heard of this experiment. We are not aware that any public input has been sought as to the safety or advisability of such testing. We feel we are being used as laboratory subjects and resent it.

We are urgently requesting more information regarding this admitted experimental process. We have many questions:

* What if any planning has been set in motion to address public concerns? If none, why not?

* What is known regarding the possible triggering of another earthquake as a result of such explosives?

* What is the degree of impact at the surface and at specified distances from the explosions?

* What agency will be responsible for damage to private and public property as a result of these explosions?

* Where are the voices of our elected officials who are expected to speak on our behalf?

BILL and JANE COULOMBE

Northridge