Making decisions about hazardous waste remediation when even considering a remediation technology is controversial.
This paper investigates the circumstances under which proposed hazardous waste remediation technologies are socially acceptable, that is, considered seriously as options in a public arena. First, it summarizes a conceptual framework that guides investigation and interpretation of site-specific remediation decision-making. Second, it describes an initial application of that framework to the public participation venue of U.S. DOE Site-Specific Advisory Boards. Investigating the attributes of involved parties and of site context highlights technology acceptability as social decision-making that involves technical and technological issues rather than as a process driven by the technology itself.
Wolfe
Amy K
AK
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, P.O. Box 2008, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-6205, USA. wolfeak@ornl.gov
Bjornstad
David J
DJ
Kerchner
Nichole D
ND
D003657:Decision Making; D004777:Environment; D004787:Environmental Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006256:Hazardous Waste; D006801:Humans; D011639:Public Opinion; D012924:Social Conditions; D013672:Technology / Q000639:trends
D006256:Hazardous Waste