On-site storage of high level nuclear waste: Attitudes and perceptions of local residents

Journal Article · Sat Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Risk Analysis

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1539-6924.1996.tb01465.x· OSTI ID:457149

Bassett, Jr, G W ^[1]; Jenkins-Smith, H C; Silva, C ^[2]

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1. Univ. of Illinois, Chicago, IL (United States)
2. Univ. of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM (United States)

No public policy issue has been as difficult as high-level nuclear waste. Debates continue regarding Yucca Mountain as a disposal site, and - more generally - the appropriateness of geologic disposal and the need to act quickly. Previous research has focused on possible social, political, and economic consequences of a facility in Nevada. Impacts have been predicted to be potentially large and to emanate mainly from stigmatization of the region due to increased perceptions of risk. Analogous impacts from leaving waste at power plants have been either ignored or assumed to be negligible. This paper presents survey results on attitudes of residents in three countries where nuclear waste is currently stored. Topics include perceived risk, knowledge of nuclear waste and radiation, and impacts on jobs, tourism, and housing values from leaving waste on site. Results are similar to what has been reported for Nevada; the public is concerned about possible adverse effects from on-site storage of waste. 24 refs., 7 figs., 5 tabs.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 457149
• Journal Information: Risk Analysis, Journal Name: Risk Analysis Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 16; ISSN 0272-4332; ISSN RIANDF
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES
PUBLIC ANXIETY
PUBLIC OPINION
RADIOACTIVE WASTE STORAGE