<p>We are of the strong opinion that any dispute can be mediated, including ones pertaining to environmental issues. Here are two examples:</p>
<p>Several hydroelectric facilities were up for re-licensing. At issue was balancing ecological populations with the need for hydropower production. Municipal vs. agricultural uses for water resources were also being contested. Other issues included water rights for water disctricts, 100-year-old water rights applicants, a recent energy crisis, lack of reliable historical data and a drought. Concerns were addressed and a settlement was reached using ADR. This allowed the licensee to file its proposed terms and conditions of the project without any protest.</p>
<p>Another case involved PCB contamination that created high public concern. Mediation was used to address four major areas: the company liability and responsibility for clean-up; input from the community on impacts of the clean-up process; the establishment of a panel of neutral experts to make recommendations for future re-mediation; and finally, agreement to use mediation in the near future to resolve disputes.</p>
<p>Many of these issues can be dealth with more effectively when all appropriate stakeholdlers practicipate jointly in the process. Many problems of ignorance or omission can be thereby avoided. In addition, "one size fits all" regulatory approaches may fail to take into consideration important local needs and aspirations that can be included in the mediation process.</p>