Enquiry into the use of participatory technology assessment methodologies for environmental impact assessment of risk, in the socio-technical transition to sustainability of municipal solid waste management

This project proposes the integration of participatory technology assessment methodologies into environmental impact assessment processes, as a more appropriate means of assessing risk, in the socio-technical transition of municipal solid waste management to sustainability; paying particular attention to meaningful public participation in technology decision-making. In doing so, it investigates whether society’s goals for acceptable levels of risk are reflected in the UK’s choice of energy-from-waste incineration, as a municipal solid waste technological solution. Stakeholders in the development of Plymouth energy-from-waste incinerator were interviewed as part of a case study, to determine the attitudes, beliefs and values underpinning socio-technical risk priorities. Additionally, public correspondence obtained from planners, together with key waste policy documentation, was similarly coded using nVIVO software. Existing methods of socio-technical risk assessment were evaluated for their effectiveness and lastly, policy documentation was analysed for evidence of scalar frame influence, as well as trade-offs for social growth. Results reveal divergent priorities and differing risk perspectives, suggesting a misalignment between energy-from-waste incineration technology and society’s goals. Moreover, public participation was further undermined by evidence of regulatory scale frame manipulation and risk trade-offs, made without public scrutiny. Existing risk assessment methodologies were found to be deficient, as well as the quality and relevance of provision for public participation in decision-making, thus the integration of pTA methodologies was recommended