Using the Internet to Facilitate Citizen Participation in Environmental Decision- Making R. Sullivan, P. Richmond, T. Kotek Environmental Science Division.
Post on 16-Jan-2016
214 Views
Preview:
Transcript
Using the Internet to Facilitate Citizen Participation in Environmental Decision-
Making
R. Sullivan, P. Richmond, T. Kotek
Environmental Science Division
October 26, 2006
2
Presentation Topics
Environmental impact statements (EISs) and current public participation practices
Internet-based public participation advantages
Argonne EIS Web site and e-mail applications
Results: Web site usage and Web-based commenting
3
Federal Policy Requires EISs for Major Federal Actions
Federal agencies must evaluate effects of actions on environment and consider alternatives.
National Environmental Policy (NEPA) Act of 1969 requires EIS preparation for major federal actions with potential for significant environment impact.
The public must be informed, and must have the opportunity to participate in the EIS process.
Public must be allowed to comment on the EIS.
Argonne’s EVS Division prepares EISs for DOE and other agencies.
4
Traditional EIS Public Participation Programs Rely Heavily on Public Meetings, Paper, and Patience
Public meetings typically held at beginning of project (scoping phase) and at draft EIS publication.
Meetings coincide with public comment periods – scoping and Draft EIS.
Hundreds or thousands of comments to process and respond to.
Numerous documents – Draft and Final EISs, Record of Decision, notices, meeting transcripts, comment documents, etc.
– EIS documents are very difficult to use, expensive to produce and ship.
Expensive and time-consuming, typically several years to complete EIS.
5
Typical Programs Have Limited Geographic Scope, Don’t Reach Many Stakeholders, Don’t Inform/Involve Fully
Public meetings typically held at or near project location; stakeholders at remote locations cannot attend.
Many stakeholders miss meeting notices, or can’t attend meetings.
Meetings are one-shot opportunities for information/involvement.
Typically very long time between scoping and draft EIS meetings.
Meetings sometimes too short to be really informative.
Meetings can be very effective, but…
6
Internet-Based Public Involvement Programs: Convenient, Easy, More Effective
Use of Web and E-mail in addition to (or in place of) meetings and other traditional approaches
Available regardless of location – people thousands of miles away can participate on an equal footing with locals
Internet available 24/7 – stakeholders can participate when convenient to them
Greater awareness – web links and e-mail can be used to make more people aware of EIS and participation opportunities
Continuity – not “one shot” – site can be revisited, reviewed, explored further – always available
More information provided – scientific and background information, glossary, EIS information, supporting documents
Instant information availability – maximizes participation
Searchable, manageable documents – via CD-ROM or download
Much lower cost per participant – maximize public participation budget
7
Argonne Experience with Internet-based Public Involvement Includes Eight EISs
8
Argonne EIS Web Sites Offer a Comprehensive Array of Features and Services
Background information (scientific)
Guide to EIS process
Impacts and alternatives addressed
Public participation opportunities
Public comment form
Searchable comments
EIS and related documents
News and calendar
Broadcast E-mail announcements
EIS newsletter
EIS document order form
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Scientific glossary
9
Guide Section Presents Basic Scientific and Environmental Information
Describes affected resources and environment
Presents technical information on proposed actions
Targeted at general public, assumes no technical background or prior knowledge
Uses photos, maps, and diagrams to communicate key concepts
Provides links page for additional research
Neutral in tone; no advocacy
Typically most heavily used portion of Argonne EIS Web sites
10
“About the EIS” Section Explains the NEPA Process, and Its Application to the EIS
Presents need for and scope of EIS
Explains the NEPA process in non-technical terms
Describes EIS content and alternatives considered
Lists affected resources to be addressed
Provides EIS schedule and key events
Provides information about sponsoring agency and preparers
Describes tribal consultation process
11
“Getting Involved” Section Presents Public Involvement Opportunities and Web-Based Commenting
Tells how and when public can get involved in EIS process
Explains participation procedures and alternatives for commenting
Lists public meeting locations and times
Tells public how their comments will be used by EIS preparers
Provides access to online comment form
Provides search-based access to submitted comments
Provides links to meeting transcripts and comment summary documents
12
Web-based Public Comment Form Provides Robust Commenting Capability
For scoping and draft EIS comments
Stores comments and demographic data in database for automated processing
Sends e-mail receipt to commenter with copies to webmaster and project manager
Allows attachment for word processing files of all major types, PDF, .txt, etc.
Allows control of personal information
Has option for Spanish language
Detailed instructions and help page
Most comments now received via Web
13
Web-Based Commenting Provides Efficient Comment Handling
Comment and supporting information submitted via form directly to database
Electronic receipt to commenter, only after successful database insert
E-mail copy sent to project archive
No scanning or transcription
Reduced handling errors
Speeds comment processing, statistical analysis, and response
14
Public Comments Are Available Online
Scoping and draft comment documents available in PDF format
Search by topic, state, commenting organization, commenter name, and/or comment number
View Web-based and print documents as submitted, oral comments as transcripts
Very popular feature; allows review of other stakeholders’ issues and opinions
15
E-Mail Pushes Important Content to Stakeholders
E-mail addresses collected at public meetings and through Web site
E-mail used to announce meeting dates, comment periods, important publications, general news
Typically 500-1500 recipients
Provides list of targeted, high-interest stakeholders
Great for time-sensitive information, e.g. end of commenting period, change in meeting location
Increases Web traffic and prolongs participation in EIS process
16
Results: Internet Use Has Greatly Expanded Reach of EIS Public Involvement Programs
Depleted Uranium Hexafluoride (DUF6)
– 400,000+ visitors overall
Trans-Alaska Pipeline System Renewal EIS
– 70,000 visitors overall
Wind Energy Development Programmatic EIS
– 84,000 visitors overall
– 4,811 visitors during scoping
– 10,663 visitors during draft EIS comment period
– 97 draft comment docs submitted via Web (69%)
– 25,000+ document downloads
Three current EIS Web sites: 10,000 – 30,000 visitors each, prior to Draft EIS publication
17
Conclusion: Internet-Based Public Participation Is the Wave of the Future
More effective– Expanded audience by orders of magnitude– Expanded geographic reach significantly– Better presentation of information– More convenient for public– More responsive– Better continuity
More efficient, more cost effective– Vast reduction in paper handling costs– More efficient comment processing– Better quality control
18
For More Information
Bob Sullivan
630-252-6182
sullivan@anl.gov
Argonne Environmental Science Division http://web.evs.anl.gov
top related