Lost in translation - Critical reflections on the disposal of submarine tailings in Kvalsund municipality

This article critically examines how an environmental impact assessment designed to assist in the resolution of a political controversy became the political controversy itself. Turning a complex political dispute into a scientific one had certain consequences. The empirical material from this study demonstrates how the main characters in the process changed from local politicians, to scientists far away. Even more alarming were results showing how a broad range of important local societal considerations receded from the debate. Such a twofold move away from the local context raises important questions about how the hegemony of knowledge-based management frames, and sometimes constrains, political decisions. In conclusion, the article makes two intertwined statements. First, to overcome deficiencies inherent with information asymmetry in environmental impact assessment (EIA), social impact assessments must be strengthened. Second, to overcome conflict of interest in scientific disputes, we must turn to democratic principles and institutions to resolve differences between opposing parties, values and insights.