Harris DeVille & Associates

OOH - WHAT'S THAT SMELL?

To conduct a public information program to aid several companies in the successful cleanup of an abandoned, non-hazardous waste site in Ascension Parish. The Pete Denham Waste Site contained significant quantities of styrene tar. When styrene tar is disturbed, as typically occurs in a cleanup process, it emits a distinctive, pungent odor. The communications challenge was to reassure nearby residents that the odor was not harmful and that the cleanup should be allowed to continue.

Site specific background and technical data were developed and potentially affected parties identified. Key messages were then drafted and communicated to identified affected parties. Primary among key messages was that there would be odors associated with the cleanup but that those odors were not harmful. An on-site presence was maintained and media were briefed regularly.

The cleanup was successfully completed, even though the contamination was more extensive than originally anticipated. The odors were a nuisance in the community, but residents expected them and were informed about their health impact. The community was supportive of the cleanup, and residual goodwill remained in the community after the work was done.

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