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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2015 Jan 20.
Published in final edited form as: Environ Monit Assess. 2007 Sep 27;142(0):1–9. doi: 10.1007/s10661-007-9903-z

Table 3.

Sample contingent valuation questions from a larger survey about value of the local site as a preserve to nearby residents

Scenario:
One possibility for the site, with or without expansion of nuclear-related activities, is to convert a large section into an ecological preserve. The federal government is willing to do this. However, they are unwilling to spend all the resources required by the plan developed by the community. Another option is for the federal government to give the land to the state. The state is willing to implement the plan favored by the community organization.
1. At present, state government officials estimate that the program will cost your household a total of $300 a year. If the program cost your household a total of $300 a year would you vote for the program or against it?
For Against Not sure Refusal to answer
2. What if the final cost of estimates show that the program would cost your household a total of $500 a year. Would you vote for or against the program?
For Against Not sure Refusal to answer
3. What if the final cost of estimates show that the program would cost your household a total of $100 a year. Would you vote for or against the program?
For Against Not sure Refusal to answer
4. If you voted against the program was it because you can't afford it, because it isn't worth that much money to you or because of some other reason? (please explain)
5. And if you voted for the program, what was it about the program that made you willing to pay something for it? (please explain)

These are sample questions from a much larger survey that would include probes about risk perception, organizational trust, values regarding the components of the environment that are most important to the respondent, and demographic characteristics.