Sediment and society: an approach for assessing management of contaminated sediments and stakeholder involvement in Norway

Abstract

Introduction Management options for large-scale contaminated sediment remediation projects can be challenging with regard to competing stakeholder interests. This has become apparent during the Oslofjord sediment remediation project (2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)) which caused considerable public discussion. Background To learn from this project, the 'Sediment and society' project was initiated to develop a collaborative approach that will incorporate local and scientific knowledge in order to achieve mutual gains, win-win outcomes for the stakeholders, in the management of contaminated marine sediments. Method development The project focuses on two Norwegian harbours: Oslo Harbour and Bergen Harbour. The Oslo Harbour case has been analysed ex-post, using elements of risk governance: participation, communication, information/ knowledge and risk perception. The Bergen Harbour case is focused on the establishment of a citizens' jury as well as a stakeholder panel in Bergen Harbour. Preliminary results and observations Thus far, the results suggest three important commonalities or challenges for stakeholder involvement: (1) how to include people who have important management information and local knowledge, but not much influence in the decision-making process; (2) how to secure resources to ensure participation and (3) how to engage and motivate stakeholders to participate early in the sediment remediation planning process.

Use of multicriteria involvement processes to enhance transparency and stakeholder participation at Bergen Harbor, Norway

“…The objectives with the MIP in this case was to provide valuable advice to the problem owner on how advisory groups perceive hypothetical remediation alternatives distilled from the recommendations laid out in management plans. However, the MIP has been developed as part of a larger research project (Oen et al 2010). So, although the advisory groups were aware that they participated in a research setting, the MIP was conducted in close cooperation with the municipality of Bergen (problem owner) and the results have been subsequently used as input to the ongoing contaminated sediment remediation project at Bergen Harbor.…”

Sustainable decision making under uncertainty: a case study in dredged material management

“…Additional information on MCDA projects in US dredged material management is found in [15] and [16]. In Europe, MCDA techniques were applied by a Norwegian project for sediment management as discussed in [17] and [18]. In Spain, a case study has been carried out in order to prioritise areas in need of remediation and management options [19].…”

Contaminants in Norwegian fjord sediments: industrial history or future source?

“…As a follow-up to the white paper, the Norwegian Ministry of the Environment appointed a Norwegian Council on Contaminated Sediments in 2003. (Oen 2006, after MD 2002and Mattilsynet 2005 The Council's mandate was to identify gaps of knowledge and to make recommendations to the environmental regulators on sediment management. The most important conclusions that emerged from the work of the council were:…”