Siting case studies in Western Europe

As a Fellow of the European Environmental Fellowhip Program for U.S. Environmentalists in 1987-88, the investigator collected case studies relating to the siting of controversial facilities in Western Europe. The focus of the data collection was to determine which policies and procedures were thought to have contributed to public acceptability, and conversely, which policies and procedures were thought to have contributed to public opposition. Case studies were analyzed to determine patterns and agreement. The investigator presents preliminary findings with regard to factors which may contribute to increased public acceptability in the siting of controversial facilities. Factors thought to have the most potential effect include sensitivity to cultural differences, the amount of time which is allowed to pass from the announcement of the siting plans to the opening of the facility, credibility of the technical staff, and sensitivity to the needs of politicians. Implications for policy and practice in the siting of facilities for nuclear waste management are discussed. Preliminary evidence suggests a need for more in-depth research and analysis of the effects of specific factors on public acceptability