Risk communication in environmental restoration programs

Conference · Wed Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1994 · Risk Analysis; (United States)

OSTI ID:7042180

Bradbury, J A ^[1]

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1. Pacific Northwest Lab., Washington, DC (United States)

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 author draws on her experience at a Department of Energy (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 Department of Defense (DoD) suggest that a convergence model may also prove to be an appropriate conceptual foundation for risk communication at contaminated DoD sites. 27 refs.

• OSTI ID: 7042180
• Report Number(s): CONF-9304130--
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Risk Analysis; (United States) Journal Volume: 14:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290202 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Sociology-- (1992-)
290300* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
COMMUNICATIONS
CONVERGENCE
ENVIRONMENT
INFORMATION THEORY
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
PUBLIC OPINION
PUBLIC RELATIONS
REMEDIAL ACTION
RISK ASSESSMENT
US DOD
US DOE
US ORGANIZATIONS