Risk communication in environmental restoration programs

Conference · Thu Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1993

OSTI ID:6796242

Bradbury, J A

The author advocates adoption of a convergence model in place of the traditional source-receiver model of communication for communicating with members of the public who have a stake in remediation of a nearby site. The source-receiver model conceives of communication as the transmission of a message from a risk management agency (sender) to a target audience of the public (receivers). The underlying theme is that the sender intends to change the perception of the receiver of either the issue or the sender of information. The theme may be appropriate for health campaigns which seek to change public behavior; however, the author draws on her experience at a DOE site undergoing remediation to illustrate why the convergence model is more appropriate in the context of cleanup. This alternative model focuses on the Latin derivation of communication as sharing or making common to many, i.e., as involving a relationship between participants who engage in a process of communication. The focus appears to be consistent with recently issued DOE policy that calls for involving the public in identifying issues and problems and in formulating and evaluating decision alternatives in cleanup. By emphasizing context, process and participants, as opposed to senders and receivers, the model identifies key issues to address in facilitating consensus concerning the risks of cleanup. Similarities between the institutional context of DOE and DOD suggest that a convergence model may also prove to be an appropriate conceptual foundation for risk communication at contaminated DOD sites.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 6796242
• Report Number(s): PNL-SA-22216; CONF-9304130--1; ON: DE93013286
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
293000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
CLEANING
COMMUNICATIONS
COOPERATION
DECISION MAKING
DECONTAMINATION
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INFORMATION
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
ORGANIZATIONAL MODELS
PLANNING
PUBLIC INFORMATION
PUBLIC OPINION
RECOMMENDATIONS
REGIONAL COOPERATION
REMEDIAL ACTION
RISK ASSESSMENT
US DOE
US ORGANIZATIONS