Environmental Hazard Crisis
Environmental Hazard Crisis
THE SITUATION
Early in the construction stages of a mixed-use development, a developer discovered a serious environmental issue. A large semi-toxic chemical plume was growing under the property and spreading to a nearly neighborhood. Because this was in a fast-growing community close to a large, high-profile U.S. city, this situation posed serious problems. While the developer could have saved significant resources by abandoning the project, they did the responsible thing and invested millions of dollars into a clean-up effort.
THE TASK
The company engaged us to help develop and execute a multi-dimensional campaign to provide information and ongoing communication to residents and other key stakeholders throughout the cleanup effort.
THE WORK
Developed strategic plan and messaging
Collaborated with legal counsel on response strategy and execution
Researched and developed communication materials
Prepared executives for meetings with local and state government officials
Organized neighborhood and community outreach
Conducted media spokesperson training
Developed media strategy
Formulated ongoing messaging, response and material
THE RESULT
We worked with the developer over a 24-month period to develop and execute the effort, which informed, updated and resolved issues and concerns with residents and key stakeholders. The strategic response helped the developer to avoid litigation and also prevented the story from spreading to media in the nearby city.