To develop and conduct a comprehensive communications program designed to assist in the siting of a non-commercial hazardous waste incinerator at the former CIBA-GEIGY chemical plant in St. Gabriel, Louisiana. These communications were to address multiple audiences, including employees, media, environmentalists, community members and regulatory officials. Local environmental activists and citizens had expressed NIMBY-related concerns and publicly opposed issuance of the permit.
Factual, timely communications, which addressed both the technical and emotional concerns of the area, were implemented. More than a dozen focus groups with area residents and the media were conducted to introduce the project and gauge public concern. Plant employees also attended briefing sessions, and a community public information meeting was held prior to the public hearing.
CIBA-GEIGY made several changes to its proposed incineration project as a result of expressed community concerns. In addition, CIBA-GEIGY was successful in obtaining a permit from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.
