Date of Award
1995
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Marine Affairs
Department
Marine Affairs
First Advisor
Niels West
Abstract
This study examined a case of conflict between Federal decision-makers and local citizens regarding the selection of a clean-up plan for a coastal area contaminated by hazardous wastes. A prolonged dispute over remediation of the New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site resulted in a series of facilitated discussions intended to resolve the conflict. A descriptive survey was used to explore the effect of the discussions upon the risk perceptions of citizens and managers, thereby examining the effectiveness of the facilitated discussions in resolving conflict at the Site. The study found that the facilitated discussions did not cause risk perceptions to converge, and concluded that the discussions averted, rather than resolved, conflict between citizens and managers at the New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site.
Recommended Citation
Ardito, Thomas C., "The Effectiveness of Facilitated Discussions in REsolving Conflict at the New Bedford Harbor Suspended Site" (1995). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 1386.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/1386
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