Social and Communicative Uncertainties Around the Accidental Release of Radioactive Particles from Ascó I Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in Tarragona, Spain

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of the present case study was to identify and analyse the societal and communication

uncertainties around a nuclear radiological event in Spain, as well as to understand public and stakeholders’ response

to these uncertainties.

Method: We base the study on the implementation of three data collection processes: a review of documents, a media

analysis (n=275), and semi-structured interviews with the affected population (n=10) and relevant stakeholders (n=13).

First, we describe the event by means of documentary review. Second, we identify five main groups of socio-technical

uncertainties related to the consequences of the incident; the communication of the incident; the effects of the incident;

the management of the incident and the characteristics of the incident. Finally, via in terviews with the key stakeholders,

we identify and analyse a more exhaustive set of societal uncertainties around the incident, especially those linked to

issues such as risk perception and communication and involvement with the local population.

Results: Communicative aspects around the emergency (such as the timing of the communication, the amount and

characteristics of the information provided, the perceived transparency, the actors involved) played a critical role in the

development of the emergency, together with other issues related to the characteristics of the event and the management

of the incident or its consequences.

Discussion: The findings suggest that providing transparent, timely and accurate information about a radiological

incident by the competent authorities may improve local trust and confidence in the case of a nuclear emergency.