Tim Havranek, MBA, PMP

October 18, 2016

Practical Methods for Applying Multi-Criteria Decision

Analysis on Environmental Projects to Improve

Stakeholder Communications

Greatest Benefits of MCDA

Provides a singular, comprehensive

analytical framework

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Communicates the totality of consequences

associated with each alternativeMCDA

FS

ERAHHRA

Factors limiting the use of MCDA in remediation

Many assume that MCDA does not fit with established

regulatory processes

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Perception that MCDA is black box

Stakeholders’ preconceived notions of the best alternative

Analytical silos

Desire to reserve MCDA for largest, most difficult projects

Most Significant Limiting Factor

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Uncertainties regarding when and how to seek

external stakeholder involvement

Decision Analysis Process

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Communicate Insights

Evaluation

Frame the Decision

Craft the Objectives

Design theAlternatives

Quantify Uncertainties

Structure the Model

Perform ProbabilisticAnalysis

Develop Results Graphics

Commit to Implement

When to Communicate with

Stakeholders

At the beginning and end of each major CERCLA process

– Remedial Investigation

– Human Health Risk Assessment

– Ecological Risk Assessment

– Feasibility Study

– Remedial Design

– Natural Resource Damage Assessment

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Methods of Communication

• Up-front educational webinar or meetings

• Online surveys

• Individual interviews

• Facilitated Framing Sessions

• Town Hall Meetings using audience response

systems

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Decision Analysis for Integrated Planning

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Objectives Hierarchy

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Decision Maker Alignment

State Regulators

Environmental Protection

Save Greenfields

Brownfield Beneficial Reuse

Reduced GHG

EPA

Environmental Protection

Save Greenfields

Brownfields Beneficial Reuse

Corporate Owner

Technology Demonstration

Cost Savings

Enhance Corporate Image

Enhanced negotiations with

regulators

Local Mine

Leverage with Power Company

Revenue for Electricity

Positive Messaging

Power for Remediation

System

Local Town

Economic Development

Jobs

Habitat Protection

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Stakeholders May Agree on Same Alternative but for Different Reasons

Understanding Total Consequences

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Multi-Criteria Scores

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Quantifying Risk

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MCDA Score vs. Cost

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Questions?

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