Know Your Stakeholders: Lessons Learned in Community Outreach at Contaminated Waste Sites

Not all contaminated waste sites require community outreach, but for those sites that do warrant some level of public involvement, communication with the public can be stressful and present significant challenges for all affected parties. Every contaminated waste site is unique, each presenting its own challenges; what works for one community may not be effective at another. Understanding your stakeholders and establishing clear lines of communication early on are two of the most effective ways to establish trust with community members, which can help to relieve fears and prevent misconceptions and road blocks. However, unforeseen challenges inevitably occur, thereby requiring an integrated strategy that also encompasses knowledge of the issues at hand, credibility, and sensitivity.  This technical session will identify such challenges and provide effective tools and solutions through lessons learned from challenging waste sites as they pertain to risk communication and public outreach.