RISK COMMUNICATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION PROGRAMS

The author advocates adoption of a convergence model in place of the t raditional source-receiver model of communication for communicating wi th members of the public who have a stake in remediation of a nearby s ite. The source-receiver model conceives of communication as the trans mission of a message from a risk management agency (sender) to a targe t 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 experienc e at a Department of Energy (DoE) site undergoing remediation to illus trate why the convergence model is more appropriate in the context of cleanup. This alternative model focuses on the Latin derivation of com munication as sharing or making common to many (i.e., as involving a r elationship between participants who engage in a process of communicat ion). The focus appears to be consistent with recently issued DoE poli cy that calls for involving the public in identifying issues and probl ems and in formulating and evaluating decision alternatives in cleanup . By emphasizing context, process, and participants, as opposed to sen ders and receivers, the model identifies key issues to address in faci litating consensus concerning the risks of cleanup. Similarities betwe en the institutional context of DoE and Department of Defense (DoD) su ggest that a convergence model may also prove to be an appropriate con ceptual foundation for risk communication at contaminated DoD sites.