6.20. Information from site characterization activities will likely be used to inform various decision making mechanisms. Confirmation of the suitability of site conditions will provide support for regulatory approvals to progress to the next phases of the development programme, namely, construction and/or operation of the disposal facility. Site characterization should continue as long as is necessary, including into the operational period, to provide the basic data for a specific understanding of the disposal area, to support continuing excavation activities, to contribute further to an adequate baseline for future monitoring, to contribute to the confirmation of assumptions made in earlier safety assessments and to support the post-closure safety case.