The intense political conflicts in local communities center on important questions of the appropriate use of technology, acceptable levels of risk, and the distribution of decision-making power in a democratic society. Readers needing more detail than this guidebook provides are encouraged to thoroughly review Sites for Our Solid Wastes. This chapter also briefly addresses permitting solid waste management facilities. Although specific regulatory requirements for proposed alternatives vary from state to state, there are general guidelines that should be followed to successfully implement a project. A proper approach to securing permits is essential, since the decision to seek a facility permit requires a significant expenditure of community and time.
Facility siting and permitting is a potentially contentious process.
Facility siting and permitting has become the most contentious and difficult part of the solid waste management process. Finding sites that are both technically feasible and environmentally and socially acceptable can be difficult. Many communities have experienced intense conflicts centered on uses of technology, acceptable levels of risk, and distribution of decision-making power. When creating a strategy, consider lessons from experience. C onsult with the relevant public sector at every stage.