Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1177/0961463X12444059
Title (Primary) 'It’s always dark in front of the pickaxe': Organizing ignorance in the long term remediation of contaminated land
Author Gross, M.; Bleicher, A.
Source Titel Time & Society
Year 2013
Department SUSOZ
Volume 22
Issue 3
Page From 316
Page To 334
Language englisch
Keywords Contaminated land; decision-making; nonknowledge; public policy; remediation; time and ignorance
UFZ wide themes ru6
Abstract This article departs from the view in which ignorance is seen as necessarily detrimental and analyses how specified ignorance (here called ‘nonknowledge’) can even serve as a productive resource. By using the example of cleaning up contaminated land in a timely and effective manner, it is argued that nonknowledge is a useful resource; in some instances, on a par with knowledge in its importance. The article discusses some of the strategies used to cope with ongoing situations involving ignorance in the remediation of areas containing multiple contaminant sources and plumes. Analysis of these processes indicates that planning and policymaking may benefit when limits to knowledge are openly acknowledged.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=13380
Gross, M., Bleicher, A. (2013):
'It’s always dark in front of the pickaxe': Organizing ignorance in the long term remediation of contaminated land
Time Soc. 22 (3), 316 - 334 10.1177/0961463X12444059