This is a brief description of studies that exemplify the methods and approaches that have been developed and used by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) researchers in conducting integrated assessments. See the complete list of Integrated Assessment Briefs to find out more about ORNL's efforts in integrated assessment. Contact Mike Farrell (farrellmp@ornl.gov) for more information.

Waste-to-Energy in the United States: A Social and Economic Assessment


WTE initiatives are shown by county size. (Source: ORNL Regional Studies Program.)

Why have numerous projects to build municipal waste incinerators in the United States been cancelled in recent years? To what extent have social and economic conditions played a role in these cancellations? What, if anything, do these cancellations have to do with the future viability of waste-to-energy (WTE) in the United States?

The study included (1) a detailed socioeconomic analysis of all WTE projects during the 1982 to 1990 time frame and (2) four comprehensive case studies--two at sites where a project was cancelled and two at sites where facilities were completed.

On the basis of the aggregate socioeconomic analysis, there are marked differences between communities that initiated a WTE project and those communities that have not yet considered WTE. Socioeconomic differences, however, do not correlate with decisions either to proceed with or cancel a WTE project. In addition, the study concluded that financial barriers were not the predominant reason for WTE project cancellations, and those barriers are not likely to be highly problematic in the coming decade.

The case study portion of the study identified numerous complexities that community leaders and decision makers must address when considering WTE. After a WTE project has been initiated, the decision to proceed with or abandon the project appears to depend largely on the dynamics of the decision-making process and the interactions among concerned parties.

Curlee, T. R., S. M. Schexnayder, D. P. Vogt, A. K. Wolfe, M. P. Kelsay, and D. L. Feldman. 1994. Waste-to-Energy in the United States: A Social and Economic Assessment. Quorum Books, Westport, Conn.


Where To?

[ Next Brief | Section 8 | Table of Contents for ORNL Integrated Assessment Briefs ]


Integrated Assessment Briefs. 1995. ORNL/M-4227. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN.