Sediment management nowadays is often concerned around sediments that have been polluted in former times, posing the following questions: what risks remain after time has passed concerning the persistence, ageing and bioavailability of the polluting substances; where does the risk apply regarding the transport of contaminated sediments and the management objectives in the different zones of a river basin; how can solutions be found; who is responsible for paying the management measures. This publication reflects on the discussions in the SedNet Working Group on "risk management and communication" claiming that sustainable sediment management needs to be risk based and oriented towards the river basin scale. Results of two case studies are recounted, which roughly followed the site prioritization approach that was suggested by the participants of the working group and gives an example on a decision making module that could help in communicating interests and the resulting priorities of measures, after areas of risks have been identified in a river basin.