Securing America's Critical Infrastructure - What Does That Mean to YOU?

An Attack on a Chemical Facility Would Affect the Entire Country

More than 40,000 facilities in the United States manufacture, use or store certain "chemicals of interest" determined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to pose a significant risk and threat to life or health in the event of release, theft or sabotage/contamination. A list of these chemicals can be found in "Appendix A" of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS). According to DHS, of the 40,000 chemical facilities, at least 100 of these could potentially affect millions, not only causing physical harm, but also psychological and economic damage as well. Those working and living in the densely populated urban areas around these facilities would suffer the immediate effects. But the effect would ripple across the entire country as our energy sources are disrupted, and wide-spread fear of additional attacks set in. While the release of a toxic chemical is a major concern, theft of certain chemicals to be used as weapons in subsequent attacks is also a very real threat.

While it is obvious that these facilities represent an attractive target for terrorists, security has remained largely unregulated by the federal government until the enactment of CFATS. The federal government is finally taking a proactive approach to securing chemical facilities rather than waiting to react to an incident. CFATS require any facility storing these chemicals to submit a Top Screen to the Department of Homeland Security to determine whether it presents a high security risk.

If the submission of a Top Screen results in a high-risk designation, a facility owner/operator will have to harden the facility's security in addition to evaluating vulnerability (Security Vulnerability Assessments - SVAs) and creating and implementing a plan to harden physical security (Site Security Plans - SSPs) with the intention of deterring an attack, sabotage or theft. Security protocol, processes, procedures and policies are expected to be formulated and implemented. All employees and visitors entering the facility will have to be screened thoroughly, which may include using body scanning technology. Additionally, perimeter control will have to be increased including barriers, fencing and electronic detection, access control, camera installation with technology that allows storing and analyzing critical information. Ultimately, it means compliance with government regulations or facing possible fines or shutdown.

The federal government has finally taken the firsts steps toward securing chemical facilities. The effects of an attack would not only impact the lives of those in and around the facilities, but could also affect the economy as a whole should an attack be massive enough to disrupt fuel or energy sources.

For more information about the new regulations, contact Tim Kornegay at (713) 721-9732, Ext. 127, or e-mail tkornegay@infrastructsecurity.net.