Environmental Engineering Reference
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model, but asserting that the model is “true” on the basis of successful predictions is
scientifically speaking not possible. In science, empirical data can only lead to
falsification of hypotheses and not to their confirmation.
23.5.3.3 Statistical Uncertainty
This type refers to the so-called type I and type II errors in statistical approaches.
Scientists tend by tradition to minimize type I errors, the risk of rejecting a true
hypothesis. Type II, the risk of accepting a false one, may be more serious in envi-
ronmental problems, especially when the hypothesis was that there are no human
health risks or ecological risks.
23.5.3.4 Decision Theoretic Uncertainty
This type of uncertainty shows up in Risk Management decisions. It relates to the
following questions. Should the worst-case scenario govern the decision even if it
has a very low probability of occurrence? Or must the decision be based on the
more likely scenarios? Or should decisions be based on utilitarian principles and
cost benefit analyses?
23.5.4 Risk Perception and Communication
It is well known that the results of the formal natural scientific approach in Risk
Assessment can be very different from the risks as perceived by the public. Risk
perception may be governed by a number of factors (Vlek
1995
), but the main
difference is that risk is perceived more intuitively.
The factors influencing risk perception and acceptance are important for com-
munication of results of formal Risk Assessment to the public. However effective
communication does not exclusively depend on the perception of the public but also
on the characteristics of the communicator, the message and the medium that is used.
It is beyond the scope of this paper to give a full treatment of communication strate-
gies for management of contaminated sites. Much can be learned from experience
from Brownfield redevelopment (see
Chapter 25
by Nathanail, this topic), where
risk communication becomes one of the many aspects of an overarching public con-
sultation and stakeholder engagement strategy (EUBRA
2007
). One final suggestion
related to Risk Assessment is that it may be easier to communicate about soil qual-
ity (this piece of land is still fit for
after remediation) than
to communicate about risk (there is still contamination left but the authorities state
that your risk is acceptable).
...
and will be fit for
...
23.6 Risk-Based Land Management - The Concept
Policy makers and regulators, as well as other stakeholders, need to make balanced
and informed decisions about contaminated sites. To stimulate this cooperation,
the CLARINET concerted action developed the Risk-Based Land Management
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