Perceived Risks of Radioactive Waste Transport Through Oregon: Results of a Statewide Survey |
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Authors: | Donald MacGregor Paul Slovic Robert G. Mason John Detweiler Stephen E. Binney Brian Dodd |
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Affiliation: | Decision Research, 1201 Oak Street, Eugene, Oregon 97401.;Survey Research Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331.;Department of Nuclear Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331. |
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Abstract: | Transportation of hazardous materials, and particularly radioactive wastes, on public highways has become an important risk management issue. The unfavorability of public attitudes regarding hazardous and nuclear wastes signals the potential for strong public opposition to programs for transporting these materials. This paper presents the results of a survey conducted to assess public reactions to a long-term nuclear waste transport program planned to follow a route through a portion of rural Oregon. The survey assessed a number of key risk perception issues, including perceived health and safety risks of nuclear waste transport, relative risks of transport vs. storage at an existing site, trust in state officials, and satisfaction with life in communities along the transport route. The survey identified a number of attitudes and concerns that need to be understood and considered by those in charge of designing and implementing the waste-transportation program. |
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Keywords: | Risk perception nuclear waste transportation hazmat transportation trust |
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