The role of the risk communicator in the permitting process
Under various federal regulations, waste treatment facilities, waste disposal sites, incinerators, and similar facilities require permits for operation. Such permits are supported by detailed studies that demonstrate the need for the facility, the appropriateness of the site, the environmental impact of the project, the safety of the technology used, and the agency`s ability to operate it safely. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires public participation, including public meetings, hearings, or other forms of participation, in all permitting processes to ensure ``complete assessment and full disclosure of the environmental consequences`` of proposed actions under the act. Other regulations (notably the Emergency Response and Community Right to Know Act, Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act [SARA]) are broad risk communication statutes that ensure that the information is available through statutes, public hearings, and the media. Regulations such as these should ensure adequate public participation. The people should be able to voice concerns and work out compromises at public meetings. In theory, the agency should be able to satisfy its responsibilities to the public simply by filing the permit application, preparing the supporting documentation, and participating in public hearings. Theory, however, is not borne out by practical experience. Active opposition by the public to projects that meet all permitting regulations has defeated dozens of incinerator, power plant, and landfill projects in the past decade.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 10102415
- Report Number(s):
- LA-UR--93-2793; CONF-940534--1; ON: DE93018287
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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