Sediment and society: an approach for assessing management of contaminated sediments and stakeholder involvement in Norway.

Introduction Management options for large-scale contaminated sediment remediation projects can be challenging with regard to competing stakeholder interests. This has become apparent during the Oslofjord sediment remediation project (2005-2009) which caused considerable public discussion. Background To learn from this project, the 'Sediment and society' project was initiated to develop a collaborative approach that will incorporate local and scientific knowledge in order to achieve mutual gains, win-win outcomes for the stakeholders, in the management of contaminated marine sediments. Method development The project focuses on two Norwegian harbours: Oslo Harbour and Bergen Harbour. The Oslo Harbour case has been analysed ex-post, using elements of risk governance: participation, communication, information/ knowledge and risk perception. The Bergen Harbour case is focused on the establishment of a citizens' jury as well as a stakeholder panel in Bergen Harbour. Preliminary results and observations Thus far, the results suggest three important commonalities or challenges for stakeholder involvement: (1) how to include people who have important management information and local knowledge, but notmuch influence in the decision-making process; (2) how to secure resources to ensure participation and (3) how to engage and motivate stakeholders to participate early in the sediment remediation planning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]