New guidance: Communicating understanding of contaminated land risks

Contaminated land understandably can raise concern amongst the public and it is important to be able to explain and understand the real risks posed to health and the environment. With the publication of new guidance commissioned by SNIFFER, communicating the risk will now be easier for local authority officers, environment agency staff, communications specialists, environmental consultants, and anyone else who may have this responsibility.   Kirsty Irving of SNIFFER says “People deal with risk in their every day lives. However, communicating about risk – and particularly risk from land contamination – so that others ‘get it’ can be difficult, especially when the risk isn’t visible. This new guidance published by SNIFFER will be ace at helping with this.”   This guidance was developed in response to the changing land development and communication landscapes since the first SNIFFER guidance was published on this topic in 1999. These changes include development of contaminated land regimes, increased pressure to develop brownfield sites, increased public and stakeholder access to information through the Freedom of Information Act (2000) and the Environmental Information Regulations (2004), and greater demand for improved governance, transparency and accountability in both corporate and governmental decision making.   There are two parts to the guidance: a quick-reference booklet and a more comprehensive guidance manual. Together they will (1) help you develop an effective risk-communication strategy, and (2) give you the tools to engage with your stakeholders such that they understand the contamination issues and the importance and benefits of taking action – and you understand and address their needs and concerns.    The guidance is available to download free of charge from the SNIFFER website (hyperlink), and a limited number of hard copies of the booklet are available by contacting info@sniffer.org.uk.