Environmental Risk Communication

Susan Zummo Forney, president of EHS Communication Partners, Inc., provides expert communications counsel, quality training programs and professional communication products to clients dealing with environmental, health and safety concerns. She has nearly 30 years of experience in environmental consulting, providing a unique blend of technical knowledge and principled communication strategies that position clients for success in stakeholder communications and engagement. Ms. Forney has provided risk communication and community relations support for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Defense, and various private industries such as electric utilities, chemical manufacturers and waste management companies. She has conducted numerous communications presentations and training workshops for industry trade groups and professional organizations. Anthony J. Sadar, founder of Environmental Science Communication, LLC, recently retired as an Air Pollution Administrator for the Allegheny County Health Department, Air Quality Program, in Pittsburgh, PA. He is a Certified Consulting Meteorologist with 40 years of experience in air pollution meteorology and science education. Besides his former employment with Allegheny County, Mr. Sadar has taught for many years at colleges and universities in western PA and is currently an adjunct associate professor at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pa. He has also worked in private consulting, investigating a variety of high-profile industrial air pollution issues and emergency release situations. As part of his work, Mr. Sadar has presented air monitoring and modeling results before general public audiences, some quite hostile. He learned from theory and practice some of the best techniques to address highly-charged issues and has trained industry staff to successfully manage challenging public meetings.

1. The Art and Science of Risk Communication .......................................... 1

2. Walk the Talk .................................................................................................. 7

3. Set Goals to Guide Your Communication Investment ..........................21

4. Tailor Your Approach and Messages to Your Audience ........................37

5. Address Emotions before Facts .................................................................. 47

6. Don’t Skimp on the Public Participation Process ...................................69

7. Tackle the Tough Issues Head-on ............................................................. 89

8. Work with the Media ..................................................................................105

9. Rely on Best Practices for Conveying Information ..............................125