ABSTRACT
Operations that involve risk to the environment or human health will be subject at some point to mandated public participation. Whether in the form of public comment periods, advertisements, or public hearings, regulatory public participation mandates should never serve as the thrust of your public communication and involvement plans. Rather, public communication and involvement plans should provide for early and frequent dialogue with stakeholders such that mandated milestones are non-events that occur later in the process. At the same time, project plans should always be aligned with long-term strategic goals and overarching communication programs.
Regulatory public participation requirements have evolved over the years and will continue to do so because of advances in communication technology, changing social and political pressures and other dynamics. Striving to meet both the letter and the spirit of these requirements will help you build relationships and avoid the trust-busting missteps that occur with piecemeal engagement processes. Being willing to get creative in stakeholder negotiations could reap further benefits for all parties involved.
