Multiattribute utility analysis as a framework for public participation siting a hazardous waste facility Page: 3 of 9
8 p.View a full description of this article.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
03/06/96 16:25 '415 854 6233
Efforts to involve stakeholders in environmental decisions are on the increase. Various
collaborative models for decision making are being explored which empower stakeholders to
take collective responsibility for decisions (Selin and Chavez 1995). In theory, public
participation improves the quality of decisions and lessens opposition to the choices that are
made. However, a significant barrier to success is often the technical complexity of the
environmental problem. Environmental professionals are reluctant to share decision-making
responsibility with individuals who lack understanding of key technical considerations. Members
of the public distrust the motives of environmental professionals who justify their preferences
using incomprehensible technical arguments.
This paper illustrates an approach to public participation based on multiattribute utility
analysis (MUA). The approach was used by Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) in New Mexico
to involve stakeholders in an important technical decision associated with its Environmental
Restoration (ER) Project. The decision was where to locate a Corrective Action Management
Unit (CAMU), a facility intended to consolidate and store wastes generated from the cleanup of
hazardous waste sites. Although rarely applied with stakeholder participation, MUA proved
surprisingly effective. It produced a consensus over a selected site and enhanced public trust
and understanding of Sandia's environmental restoration activities.
CAMU Working Group
The effort began with the formation of a CAMU Working Group, a group of about 20
individuals willing to attend two, one-day meetings to evaluate and rank alternative sites for the
CAMU. Group members were self-selected from existing stakeholder organizations, including
the Sandia Citizens Advisory Board (CAB), the New Mexico State Environment Department
(NMED), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), SNL,
and the public at large. Except for the SNL representatives and regulators, few members of the
Group had experience or detailed understanding of CAMU siting issues, and many had little or
no applicable technical training.
Candidate Sites
To provide siting options, EPA and SNL criteria for CAMU siting were used to screen an
initial list of 156 potential siting locations down to five feasible options. Figure 1 shows the
locations of the five candidate sites labeled 18, 74, 107, 240, and 241.
Site Ranking Process
Mu)tiattribtt anyi4UA was used to conduct the key step of ranking the five
candidate sites. MUA is a formal approach for using multiple criteria to evaluate options
(Keeney and Raiffa 1976). Various tools, techniques, and software for facilitating the
implementation of MUA have been recently developed by a team of representatives from SNL,
Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory as part of a
formal priority setting process know as the Laboratory Integration and Prioritization System
(LIPS) (Anderson and others 1994). LIPS techniques were used in this application.2
[a004/010
A.D.A. INC.
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This article can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Article.
Merkhofer, M.W.; Conway, R. & Anderson, R.G. Multiattribute utility analysis as a framework for public participation siting a hazardous waste facility, article, May 1, 1996; Albuquerque, New Mexico. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc673219/m1/3/: accessed May 3, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.