Technical clarity in inter-agency negotiations: lessons from four hydropower projects

Product Type: Journal Article

Year: 1995

Author(s): Burkardt, N., B.L. Lamb, J.G. Taylor, and T.J. Waddle

Suggested Citation:
Burkardt, N., B.L. Lamb, J.G. Taylor, and T.J. Waddle. 1995. Technical clarity in inter-agency negotiations: lessons from four hydropower projects. Water Resources Bulletin 31(2): 187-198.

Abstract

We investigated the effect of technical clarity on success in multi-party negotiations in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing process. Technical clarity is the shared understanding of dimensions such as the geographic extent of the project, range of flows to be considered, important species and life stages, and variety of water uses considered. The results of four hydropower licensing consultations are reported. Key participants were interviewed to ascertain the level of technical clarity present during the consultations and the degree to which the consultations were successful. Technical clarity appears to be a prerequisite for successful outcomes…