The Planning Dialogue (Text Version)

Who Are Risk Managers?

Risk managers have the responsibility or the authority to take action (or require action) to mitigate an identified risk.

Many risk managers are decision-makers at regulatory agencies. In certain situations, though, groups of interested parties may serve as risk management teams. For example, imagine a watershed at risk from multiple stressors: various parties would have the ability to take action to mitigate risk. Risk management teams might include decision-makers in federal, state, local, or tribal governments; commercial, industrial, or private organizations; and leaders of special interest groups. We'll learn more about risk managers as we continue to discuss the planning phase.

Relevant guidelines section(s): 2.1

Who Are Risk Assessors?

Risk assessors offer knowledge and scientific judgment to evaluate risk. Sometimes a single risk assessor can conduct an assessment, but more often a team is assembled to draw from a range of necessary expertise. On a risk assessment team, at least one person should be knowledgeable about the risk assessment process. The other members provide expertise relevant to the particular situation, for example, ecology, toxicology, hydrogeology, and so on.

Relevant guidelines section(s): 2.2

Who Are Interested Parties?

Interested parties, or "stakeholders," are segments of society concerned about an environmental issue or a possible risk management decision. They may include federal, state, tribal, and municipal governments; industrial leaders; environmental groups; landowners; small-business owners; community members; and so on — and they may have very different perspectives. Analysts other than risk assessors may also become involved due to their special concerns or expertise. In some cases, stakeholders can contribute important information to risk assessors. For example, local knowledge or traditional knowledge of native peoples can provide valuable insights. This type of input will be discussed in Problem Formulation.

Relevant guidelines section(s): 2.3