Enforcement in New England

Alternative Dispute Resolution

ADR is a general term encompassing various techniques for resolving conflict outside of court using a neutral third party. Of the different ADR approaches available, EPA New England relies primarily on mediation and facilitation. In mediation, a neutral mediator with no decision-making authority assists parties in reaching a mutually acceptable solution. We think mediation is one of the most promising ADR tools because it promotes innovative solutions, cooperation among the parties, and responsibility for the result by all parties. Put another way, it is a positive model for environmental problem-solving. Similarly, in facilitation, a neutral facilitator helps parties with diverse interests engage in productive discussions on complex, potentially controversial environmental matters. Groups often use facilitators in situations where there is no active dispute to help participants make thoughtful, informed decisions and to prevent or minimize future conflicts.

• Regional ADR Program
  • Who are we and what do we do?
• What is ADR?
  • Mediation
  • Facilitation
  • Convening
  • Arbitration
  • Spectrum of Dispute Resolution Methods
• When/How to use ADR
  • When should ADR be considered?
  • Arbitration versus Mediation
  • What if you are unsure whether ADR would be appropriate in a particular case?
  • What happens if you think mediation is a good idea but the other side does not?
  • How do you find the right mediator?
• Examples
• In-House Neutrals
• Glossary of Terms
• Links
• Contact