Dirty Soil and Clean Consciences: Examining Communication of Contaminated Soil

• Published in: Water, air, and soil pollution Vol. 181; no. 1-4; pp. 173 - 182
• Main Authors: Wiseen, Tina, Wester-Herber, Misse
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer 01.05.2007; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Communication; Construction; Construction companies; Construction industry; Contaminants; contaminated soil; Contamination; Decontamination. Miscellaneous; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; Environmental monitoring; Exact sciences and technology; expert; Filosofiämnen; Guidelines; Historisk-filosofiska ämnen; History and philosophy subjects; HUMANIORA och RELIGIONSVETENSKAP; HUMANITIES and RELIGION; lay people; Local population; Municipalities; Philosophy subjects; Pollution; Pollution, environment geology; Population studies; Risk; Risk assessment; Risk communication; risk perception; Soil; Soil (material); Soil and sediments pollution; Soil contamination; Soil pollution; Soil remediation; Soils; Studies; Europe; Decision making; contaminated soil· expert; risk communication; Risk perception; lay people; Soil pollution; Environmental management; Construction industry; Case study; Information communication; Decontamination; Risk assessment; Opinion inquiry; Environmental protection
• ISSN: 0049-6979; 1573-2932; 1573-2932
• DOI: 10.1007/s11270-006-9288-6

The identification and remediation of contaminated sites in Europe is a continuous undertaking that includes different aspects. There are many variables to take into consideration such as the nature of the contaminants, the risks they pose, the location of the site and possible future usages. Also, possible negative effects on the local residents or the environment have to be considered. Within this context, it is necessary to establish a communication between different actors, such as industry, authorities and municipalities, as well as with the surrounding public. This can be done in a variety of ways, where some are more useful and constructive than others. In the present study, eight different construction companies and municipalities were interviewed in order to elicit their views on and experiences of risk communication. The results show that even though most actors were seriously committed to involve and respond to the local populations' concerns and fears, there is certainly room for improvement in many areas. Concluding remarks call for an increased exchange of experiences with all actors involved in risk research and to develop better official guidelines for communicating risks that are specific for contaminated soil.