Making decisions about hazardous waste remediation when even considering a remediation technology is controversial

This paper investigates the circumstances under which proposed hazardous waste remediation technologies are socially acceptable, that is, considered seriously as options in a public arena. First, it summarizes a conceptual framework that guides investigation and interpretation of site-specific remediation decision-making. Second, it describes an initial application of that framework to the public participation venue of U.S. DOE Site-Specific Advisory Boards. Investigating the attributes of involved parties and of site context highlights technology acceptability as social decision-making that involves technical and technological issues rather than as a process driven by the technology itself.