NU Online News Service, Nov. 18, 3:28 p.m. EST
A risk management group is urging U.S. Senate passage of a House measure it says will bolster protection against the risk of terrorist or criminal attacks on wastewater treatment plants.
The Security Industry Association (SIA), a trade association for businesses in the electronic and physical security market, based in Alexandria, Va., said the House-approved measure, the "Chemical and Water Security Act of 2009″ (H.R. 2868), includes a new grant program dedicated to the security of such plants.
"Wastewater treatment plants are among our most critical infrastructure, yet they are also some of the most vulnerable facilities," noted SIA Director of Government Relations Don Erickson in a statement.
"This grant program would go a long way toward remedying this and reducing the chances of a criminal or terrorist act that could be disastrous for a community," said Mr. Erickson.
The bill sponsored by Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, D-Miss., and now awaiting action by the Senate, amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002. Its announced purpose is to "modify and make permanent the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security to regulate security practices at chemical facilities," including wastewater treatment plants.
The legislation includes provisions to create a wastewater treatment plant security grant program within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and authorize $200 million in annual grants through 2014.
According to SIA, grants could be used for a variety of purposes, including purchase and installation of security lighting and cameras, door locks, access control equipment, intrusion detection devices, and other products that would improve electronic, computer and remote security systems.
SIA said it has not taken a position on the measure's chemical facility security provisions.
The wastewater grants would be available to states, municipalities and interstate agencies, SIA said.
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