This allows interested members of the public to have constant access to the stations so they can observe the results at any time. A station manager from each community has access to researchers and support organizations that can provide technical assistance if needed. Station Managers serve as liaisons to their communities and can help citizens understand measurements. It is based on concepts developed by the Department of Energy for the Community Monitoring Program at the Nevada Test Site Nuclear Testing Facility. These concepts date back to the Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Reactor accident in the late 1970's.
Stations can vary in configuration.
Some stations have tipping bucket rain gauges.