The accident at Gorleben: A case study of risk communication and risk amplification in the Federal Republic of Germany
- Clark Univ., Worcester, MA (USA). Center for Technology, Environment, and Development
On May 12, 1987 an accident happened in the ``pilot mine`` at Gorleben in the Federal Republic of Germany where the feasibility of a repository or high-radioactive nuclear waste is currently being investigated. A miner was killed during that accident and two others were severely injured. Although this accident happened during conventional mining work and had nothing to do with radioactive waste, this event received much public attention and news coverage and had a strong impact on the political debate on the Gorleben project of a repository mine for radioactive waste and even on the nuclear power controversy in general. This study does not aim to evaluate the accident that happened in the Gorleben pilot mine from a geological point of view nor does it aim to evaluate the West German waste disposal concept. All information given in chapter 2 on these aspects should be considered as background information, useful in understanding the subject of this case study: the risk communication concerning the Gorleben project in general and the accident in the shaft in particular.
- Research Organization:
- Nevada Nuclear Waste Project Office, Carson City, NV (United States); Clark Univ., Worcester, MA (United States). Center for Technology, Environment, and Development
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG08-85NV10461
- OSTI ID:
- 137591
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/NV/10461--T14; ON: DE90004723; IN: NWPO-SE-012-88
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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