A study on local residents' perception in communication process for LNG terminal risks

The objective of this paper is to explore the locals' perception on risk communication process between LNG organisation and local residents. Using a traditional communication model based on the source-message-channel-receiver-effect (SMCRE), the factors of risk communication process were measured to determine the residents' perception of facility risks. The individual factors that influenced SMCRE elements were grouped and analysed by factor analysis. Also, multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the effect of latter element on former element: the order of elements was S → M, M → C, C → R, and R → E. In terms of the model's final process, an effective pathway had two cases. The first case was the relieving of social conflicts and anxieties through mutual understanding. The second case was the promotion of trust. This study can assist LNG organisations with providing better risk communication to residents and enhance the acceptance of LNG facilities.