20 Years in Ashland: R i i T t d E t th hReviving Trust and Engagement through
Multi-Method Communication
Wisconsin Department of Health ServicesWisconsin Department of Health Services
Anke Corbeil Public Health Educator
Liz Evans Epidemiologist
August 4, 2015
Introduction-OutlineIntroduction Outline 1. History of the Ashland site
2. Community Information
3 Risk Communication 3. Risk Communication
4. Stakeholder Identification
5 O h S 5. Outreach Strategy
6. Evaluation
7. Message Mapping Drill
8. Lessons Learned
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......
Amery
* ......
River Falls Menomonie
*
...... Minnesota
Iowa
I
Chippewa Falls
* * Eau Claire
La Crosse
•. ..,.,.
Marshfield
* Wisconsin
Plattevil le
*
Rhinelander
*
Merrill
* * Wausau
*
Stevens Point
*
Portage
Baraboo*
*
Madison
*
Antigo
*
Stoughton
*
Michigan
Appleton
Neenah* * Oshkosh
Bar11n * Ripon
* * Beaver Dam
* Watertown
* Fort Atkinson
*
Fond du Lac
Janesville Burlington
Monroe * * * Beloit
....... ..-..,
N
+
W N
W N
Sheboygan
W N
acine Legend
anosha
* Plant Type, Reference
* MGP, Radian
rrovw
AluminumAntimonyArsenicBariumCadmiumChromiumCopperIronLeadManganeseMercuryNickelSeleniumSilverVanadiumZinc
Chemicals of Interest Gas Research Institute, Management of Manufactured Gas Plant Sites, 1996
Inorganics Metals VOCs Phenolics PAHs Ammonia Cyanide Nitrate S lf t B i
Benzene EthylBenzene Toluene X l
Phenol Methylphenol Dimethylphenol
Acenaphthene Acenaphthylene Anthracene B ( ) th
Aluminum Antimony Arsenic
Sulfate Sulfide Thiocyanates
Xylenes Styrene
Benzo(a)anthracene Benzo(a)pyrene Benzo(b)fluoranthene Benzo(g,h,I)perylene Benzo(k)fluoranthene Chrysene
Barium Cadmium Chromium Copper Iron L d Lead
V di
Chrysene Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene Dibenzofuran Fluoranthene Fluorene Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene N hth l
Lead Manganese Mercury Nickel Selenium Silver Naphthalene
Phenanthrene Pyrene 2-Methylnaphthalene
Silver Vanadium Zinc
VOCs – Volatile Organic Compounds PAHs – Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons 7/14/2015 4
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Site Map
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Site Timeline - Discovery • Late 1980’s: Local officials notified the Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) ofp ( ) contamination
• 1993: DNR staff began investigating the • 1993: DNR staff began investigating the contamination
199 i ll ibl ( ) ifi d• 1995: Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) notified
• 2003: Human Health Risk Assessment
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• Certain PAHs and VOCs increase a person’s risk of cancer if
Impacts of Industrial Usep• In Ashland, 62 years of industrial activities have left the site contaminated with both solid wastes and many
irritation, headaches, dizziness and nausea
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site contaminated with both solid wastes and many different chemicals
Th t h f l PAH d VOC • The most harmful are PAHs and VOCs
they have regular contact with high levels over a long time (occupational setting)
• Sensitive populations exposed to PAHs, even for a short period of time have reported skin irritation, eye irritation headaches dizziness and nausea
Remediation Strategy
• Phase IPhase I • Containment
Th l D i f il• Thermal Desorption of soils • Groundwater treatment
• Phase II • Kreher Bay dredging • Kreher Bay dredging • Continued groundwater treatment
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Site ConditionsSite Conditions Area Condition Remedy
Kreher Park/Upper
• Sub-surface soils and groundwater are contaminated by PAHs and VOCs.
• Ashland residents have a municipal water supply that provides safe
• Phase I • Soils have been thermally
desorped (completed) • Groundwater treatment is
Bluff water supply that provides safe drinking water
Groundwater treatment is ongoing.
• 12 acres of contaminated sediments. W i b d i l d
• Phase II B k i ll i
Kreher Park Bay
Warning buoys and signs are placed around the area of affected sediments.
• Breakwater installation 2015
• Pilot test will be conducted 2016 R di ti t t till• Remediation strategy still in negotiation (wet vs. dry dredge)
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LEGEND ~ Monltoflng Woll Locallon
- - - Uppe, B~ff and Fl ied Ravine lloonda,y - - - Kroher Pa~ Boundary -- Shoralne
Feet
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LEGEND
f°'"ER WASTEWATER TR(.ATM(NT Pl.NIT
o Monl orlng Well Locadon
- - - Uppe, Bluff and Flied Ravine Boondary
- - - Kreher Park Boundary
c..
Shoreline
Approximate Extent of Soll Contamlll8tlon
Approdma1c Extent of Gl'O(Jnctwater Coou,mlnalon - Copper Fals
FOOT ~IDGC
f-lllSTt!IG 80,t.T STCWWiE
·~ t,
·---
75 150 i--· FM t
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Safety vs. Odor Threshold for Naphthalene < ]4ppm NliOSH STEL
]I) ppm
/ LOAEL
9.5 ppm 10SJE-Lt\ PEL
.IJ84ppm ,odor Threshold
I
·. I OSH STEL : . atiomd. Institute ,of 10eicupa.tilonaJ Safety and HeaJth1 s (NIOSH) Short-'Denn Exposure L unit; a ] 5-minute exposure which should not be ,e.,"'{,c,eeded at any tune durilng a -,,, ,orkday.
10SHA.. PEL:: 10ocupatiliona]. SaFetv and Health Admmistrati,on1 s P'ennissible Exposure Lnnilt expressed as a timeweighted a¥erage; the ,c,oneientrati.on of a substa.noe to \\ hich most workers ,can be exposed wjthout ach;erse effect av-eraged ,over a nonna'l 8-h w,orkday o,r a 40-h worhveek
LOAEL: LO\\est 10 bs~ed Affifi"'el"Se
Effec· Levi"e'l is the lowest conoent:ration Found by experilment or ,obsenr-atil,on that caused an a~se health effect.
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• 23% under 18, 16% over 64
85% hi 11% N i A i
River Reservation 1,400; Sanborn 1,092; Washburn 2 303)Washburn 2,303)
Ashland Community Profile
• 85% white, 11% Native American
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Ashland Community Profile
• Ashland population: 16 157 (neighboring: BadAshland population: 16,157 (neighboring: Bad
– Area also features: a public campground, multiple
hotels, three schools, and a community health
Site Profile
, , y center
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Site Profile
• Within a quarter mile of the 20 acre site:Within a quarter mile of the 20 acre site: – 309 households
582 people (85% are white; 7% Native American; – 582 people (85% are white; 7% Native American; 5% reported two or more races; and 3% Hispanic or Latino)or Latino)
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extremely important • Early and ongoing site engagement can have
Key Messages
• Agency constraints can be overcome with collaboration
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Key Messages
• Clear factual consistent timely messaging is Clear, factual, consistent, timely messaging is
• Early and ongoing site engagement can have big impacts A i b i h
E i t l Ri kEnvironmental Risk
Ho risk is ie ed:How risk is viewed: P f i lProfessional: Magnitude of Effect X Probabilityg y
Public:Public: Hazard + Outrage
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F t i C it O tFactors in Community Outrage
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Voluntary Risks vs Imposed Risks
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Natural vs Artificial Risks
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Familiar vs Exotic Risks Familiar vs Exotic Risks
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Uncertain vs Understood Risks Uncertain vs Understood Risks
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Risks Associated with Memorable EventsRisks Associated with Memorable Events
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M i hi i !Men in white suits!
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What Your Audience(s) Expect
• Facts to protect them, their families, their pets Abilit t k ll i f d d i i ith• Ability to make well-informed decisions with good information A ti ti i t l• Active, participatory role
• Good stewardship of public resources
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Developing Your MessagesDeveloping Your Messages
• Define who, what, where, when, why and how
lacking, conflicting, miniscule
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Define who, what, where, when, why and how • Be clear and concise • Avoid jargon • Avoid jargon • Show relevance to the audience
H th 3 i i t• Have no more than 3 main points • Tell what data are
l ki fli ti i i l
Be sure that your messages are consistent with your actions. For example, don’t tell them that their homes are safe then wear protective
Consistency
their homes are safe, then wear protective clothing when you enter their homes.
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Consistency
• Be sure that your messages are consistent with
7 Cardinal Rules of Risk Communication
2. Plan Carefully and Evaluate Efforts
3 Li t t th P bli ’ S ifi C
6. Meet the Needs of the Media
7. Speak Clearly and with Compassion
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7 Cardinal Rules of Risk Communication
1. Accept and Involve Public as a Partnerp
3. Listen to the Public’s Specific Concerns
4. Be Honest, Frank, and Open
5. Work with Other Credible Sources
6. Meet the Needs of the Media
Plain Language Drill
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StakeholdersStakeholders
Wh h k h ld hWho are the stakeholders at the Ashland Lakefront site?
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Pre-messagingPre messaging
Will / h d bWill messages/methods be same for all of these stakeholders?
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Identify ChallengesIdentify Challenges
Brainstorm some of the challenges.
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Outreach StrategyOutreach Strategy
• Understanding the pastUnderstanding the past • Know your audience
d k l (900 !)• Read work plan (900 pages!) • Be aware of other messages
– RP/Stakeholders – Communityy – Individuals
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Know the Work Plan
• Submitted comments in a letter
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Know the Work Plan
• Reviewed Air Management Plan (AMP)Reviewed Air Management Plan (AMP) • Compared to WI MGP Guidance
S b i d i l
Communication Strategies
Information In Information Out
• Websites • Daily Info Line
• Survey • Info Sessions • Door to Door • Facebook • Daily Info Line
• Bulletin • Factsheets
• Facebook • CAG • Media
• Tabletop Exercise
• Air Monitoring • 24/7 Line
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Website • What is it?
– Website to host documents and information about the site.
• Communication Direction – Outgoing communication
• User level – Mid to high tech
• Who established and maintained? – Several sites were created and
maintained • NSP-Wisconsin • DNR • DHS • EPA
• Impact: Easily establish a long-term document housing location. Historicalsite documents and large work plans are more easily accessed online. y
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Daily Information LineDaily Information Line • What is it?
– A daily call in number that isyupdated with site status and pertinent information
• Communication Direction – Outgoing communication
• User level – Low tech
• Who established and maintained? – NSP-Wisconsin NSP Wisconsin
• Impact: An easy way to get information to the public on adaily basis.
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daily basis.
Bulletin What to ExpectBulletin What to Expect • What is it?
– A four page printed document with l t i f ti b t h tlong term information about what to expect at the site.
• Communication Direction – Outgoing communicationOutgoing communication
• User level – Low tech
• Who established and maintained?Who established and maintained? – Collaboration between agencies
and NSP-Wisconsin • Impact: Created a physical
document that could be handed out to visitors to the community which gives a snapshot of what is happening and why
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happening and why.
DHS AMP Factsheet
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health and what the air quality levels mean.
DHS AMP Factsheet • What is it?
– Two-page info sheet breaking down the details of the airp g gmanagement plan.
• Communication Direction O t i i ti – Outgoing communication
• User level – Low techLow tech
• Who established and maintained? – DHS and DNR
• Impact: Ability to take a very large, complex, work plan document and distill out information on publichealth and what the air quality levels mean
DHS Survey, p g q g p y
values, understanding, and preferred methods of communication
• Communication Direction
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need more coverage
DHS Survey • What is it?
– A short, one page questionnaire designed to capture community
– Incoming communication • User level
– Low tech • Who established and maintained?
– DHS • Impact: Able to gather information from 35 community • Impact: Able to gather information from 35 community
members regarding the effectiveness of our communication, as well as poll for topics areas that mayneed more coverage
Last year This year 2‐5 years ago 6‐10 years ago 11+ years ago
Survey Results
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When did you first hear about the Ashland site?
12
10
8
6
4
22
0
none Need more Just enough Too much
Survey Results
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Level of Information Received
12
10
8
6
4
22
0
Involvement Contact info Timeline Remediation Health impacts
Survey Results
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What would you like to learn more about?
8
7
6
55
4
3
2
1
0
Survey Results
How did you hear about this public meeting?
Community Group
Newspaper
Social MediaSocial Media
Church mailer
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No comp
n
Quic
e
Acce
t
Com
nts spon
s
o the
te on t
Mee
lai
k r
ss
ple Co
tpark
mmun A
ue olve up y
ee to
iss
ime
oity
inv
t clean
tir
quali
s men
t
standard
maintaine
td s
Survey Results
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What topics are most important to you?
12
10
8
6
4
22
0
What topics are most important to you?
Information SessionsInformation Sessions
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Door to Door Outreach • What is it?
– Coordinating representatives to travel door to door and answer questions for residents arounddoor and answer questions for residents around the site.
• Communication Direction I i d t i i ti – Incoming and outgoing communication
• User level – Low tech
• Who established and maintained? – DHS and DNR
• I t Thi tl b t d tt d• Impact: This greatly boosted attendance (35%) at the next public meetings, as wellas, allowed representatives to get in touch
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with elderly individuals who could not travel to the meetings.
Facebook • What is it?What is it?
– Social media sharing site • Communication Direction
P i il t i– Primarily outgoingcommunication
• User level M di t hi h t h– Medium to high tech
• Who established and maintained?
S i i– NSP-Wisconsin • Impact: Managed by NSP-
Wisconsin to provide i i f i dinstant information and interaction regardingprogress at the site. 232 “lik ”
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• 232 “likes”
CAG group • What is it?
– A group of community representatives that commit to
i i h imeeting with agency representatives and exchanging information and ideas.
• Communication Direction – Incoming and outgoing
communication • User level
– Low tech • Who established and maintained?
– DNR • Impact: CAG group brought up
concerns monthly that were addressed by NSP-Wisconsin (road dust, odors, banging, vibrations).
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dust, odors, banging, vibrations).
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Online Real-time Air Monitoring
54
24/7 Complaint Line
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complaints/concerns.
24/7 Complaint Line • What is it?
– A direct cell phone number to on-site personnel • Communication Direction
I i i ti – Incoming communication • User level
– Low techLow tech • Who established and maintained?
– NSP-Wisconsin • Impact: Public/School was able to contact
site personnel directly with complaints/concerns
Tabletop Wh i i ? • What is it? – Meetings to develop emergency
preparedness plans for events that could occur at the site.that could occur at the site.
• Communication Direction – Emergency, ingoing and
outgoing communication • User level
– Medium to high tech • Who established and maintained?
– NSP-Wisconsin coordinated the meetings
• Impact: Local and state emergency response stakeholders as well as i b di l f h lik l fcommunity members met to coordinate plans for the unlikely event of
a fire, or uncontrollable air quality situation at the site.
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Communication Strategy Drill
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Communication Strategies
Information In Information Out
• Websites • Daily Info Line
• Survey • Info Sessions • Door to Door • Facebook • Daily Info Line
• Bulletin • Factsheets
Facebook • CAG • Media
• Tabletop Exercise
• Air Monitoring • 24/7 Line
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Keys to Outreach: RecapKeys to Outreach: Recap
• Early and ongoing involvement • Building and maintaining trust • Consistent and collaborative messagesConsistent and collaborative messages
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completed
• 94 400 tons of soil excavated
Phase I: Progress
• Groundwater treatment is ongoing
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Phase I: Progress
• January 29 2015 Phase I excavationsJanuary 29, 2015 Phase I excavations
• 94,400 tons of soil excavated • 71,000 tons of soil successfully thermally
dtreated • 19,400 tons of soil disposed of offsite
quality issue.
Ai li i i l i d
– Our primary goal is the protection of public health Od t il i di t i• Odors may not necessarily indicate an air
Key messages throughout
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Key messages throughout
• Cleanup can be done safelyCleanup can be done safely.
– Air quality is actively monitored – Air quality information is available to the public
• Agencies are working together to oversee the project.
• Collaborative effort is important
Lessons Learned
• Dedicated communication/outreach staffDedicated communication/outreach staff
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Lessons Learned
• Can be friendly if you build trustCan be friendly if you build trust • Stick to the facts
i i i• Listen to concerns in community • Make yourself available
Lessons Learned Cont.
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Lessons Learned Cont.
• Balanced communication strategy (methods)Balanced communication strategy (methods) • Identify early, agency communication roles
d d ’ h i• Understand your agency’s shortcomings – overcome these with collaboration ( F b k h )(survey, Facebook, other resources)
• Assess your impact
Message Mapping Drill
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Moving Forward: Phase IIMoving Forward: Phase II
• Breakwater• Breakwater construction W D d Pil • Wet Dredge Pilot Project
• Full scale sediment dredging
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Restart the CycleRestart the Cycle
• Review project documents • Provide timely commentsProvide timely comments • Communicate with the community
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Questions?
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Contact InformationContact Information
k b il iAnke Corbeil Public Health Educator
Anke hildebrandt@wi gov
Liz Evans Epidemiologist
Liz evans@wi gov [email protected] 608-264-9879
[email protected] 608-266-3393
Thank you!Thank you!
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