Hazardous waste site remediation and community acceptance: Beyond regulatory compliance
- Rochester Inst. of Tech., NY (United States)
- Niagara Mohawk Power Corp., Syracuse, NY (United States)
Community acceptance is an important criteria in securing regulatory approval of remediation alternatives, and yet the legal requirements for public consultation during the preparation of site investigation and feasibility study reports are minimal. Usually the only provision for formal public input on remedial plans is at the final stages of preparation through the formalistic constraints of a public meeting and limited comment period. This is often too late for meaningful public input and precludes constructive dialogue between responsible parties, local citizens, and regulatory representatives. Often the public opposes proposed remediation alternatives because of insufficient information leading to mistrust and irreconcilable differences. This paper suggests that responsible parties run the risk of community rejection of remediation plans, and costly project delays, if they follow the minimum regulatory requirements for public involvement. Through the use of active and meaningful citizen participation throughout project planning, success in securing community acceptance for preferred remedial alternatives in potentially controversial remediation projects is greatly enhanced.
- OSTI ID:
- 319033
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-980426-; TRN: IM9909%%177
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: American power conference, Chicago, IL (United States), 14-16 Apr 1998; Other Information: PBD: 1998; Related Information: Is Part Of Proceedings of the American Power Conference: Volume 60-1; McBride, A.E. [ed.] [Illinois Inst. of Tech., Chicago, IL (United States)]; PB: 613 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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