Public perceptions of low-level waste risks -- Lessons learned in Pennsylvania

Conference · Wed Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:334057

Dornsife, W; Serie, P

People in Pennsylvania are no different than citizens of other eastern states, other states, or any place in the world--they care most deeply about their health, the safety and security of their families, their investments, and their autonomy. How a particular risk is perceived depends on how it is believed to affect those valued possessions. The perception of risk from exposure to the radioactivity contained in low-level radioactive low-level waste disposal facility. The Commonwealth`s program, administered by the Department of Environmental Resources, places high priority on public dialogue on this issue. This paper discusses the Department`s program to develop and promulgate low-level waste regulations, provide a framework for selection of a qualified disposal facility operator, contract with the selected firm, and oversee its activities in siting, licensing, constructing, and operating the facility. This facility will meet the needs of the states of the Appalachian States Compact, including, in addition to Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. The focus of the paper is on the public information and outreach program accomplished to date, and the lessons learned regarding public perceptions of risk.

• Research Organization: EG and G Idaho, Inc., Idaho Falls, ID (United States). National Low-Level Waste Management Program
• OSTI ID: 334057
• Report Number(s): CONF-890854--Vol.2; ON: DE98050436
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

05 NUCLEAR FUELS
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES
PENNSYLVANIA
PUBLIC ANXIETY
PUBLIC OPINION
PUBLIC RELATIONS
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
RADIOACTIVE WASTE FACILITIES
REGULATIONS