Siting Hazardous Waste Facilities

Abstract

All the attention to it notwithstanding, the public's opposition to the siting of hazardous waste facilities would be better seen, from a problem solving perspective, as a derivative rather than a fundamental issue for society. Attention to the siting problem is misplaced. The more important issue is the loss of public confidence in government and private programs and institutions. The public is uneasy about the protection given them from the real and perceived risks of hazardous wastes. Considering the historical record, this widespread public perspective or confidence gap is rational. To site hazardous waste facilities without being oppressive of community values is a worthy goal. To accomplish this, rather than win the siting war with legal force, it will be necessary to close the confidence gap with regulations, enforcement, and policies, such as a preference for high-tech waste treatment rather than land disposal, which are more effective in protecting the environment.