Case Studies from the United Kingdom and the United States of Stakeholder Decision Making on Radioactive Waste Management

Abstract

Case studies of stakeholders in the United Kingdom and United States are presented. Recently, the United Kingdom nuclear industry has begun to consult stakeholders more widely. Methods of engagement within the British industry have varied. Discussions have been with the understanding that engagement with stakeholders will be “dialogue based” and “inform” final decisions. Engagement is being carried out at several levels: at the national level [via the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s (NDA) National Stakeholder Group (NSG)]; local site level (via Site Stakeholder Groups); and project level (usually via the best practicable environmental option process). Preliminary findings of a questionnaire issued to all members of the United Kingdom’s NDA NSG, and associated subgroups focused on stakeholder perceptions of the engagement process. In the United States, the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site (SRS) Citizens Advisory Board, in Aiken, S.C., reviewed seismic designs for the salt waste processing facility at SRS. The final design, proposed by the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, provoked heated debate among all parties. Theory and future research are reviewed.