|
|||||
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
 |
 |
    |
|
|
|||
 |
|
||
|
|||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
Homeland Security Department Needs More Authority Over Chemical Plant Security, GAO Says
The U.S. Homeland Security Department needs greater authority on chemical plant security in order to prevent a catastrophic terrorist attack against a facility, the Government Accountability Office said in a report released yesterday (see GSN, Dec. 5, 2005). Homeland Security has identified 3,400 chemical facilities that pose the greatest threat if attacked by terrorists seeking to release toxic materials, the GAO report states. The department has taken steps to help local authorities protect the facilities through efforts such as the Buffer Zone Protection Program, which provides security assistance to plant owners and law enforcement. The department is also addressing security with the Chemical Sector Coordinating Council industry group and federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, according to the report. While the industry has made voluntary changes to prepare for and protect against terrorism, challenges remain. Some industry groups require their members to perform vulnerability assessments, develop plans to counter those weaknesses and then face a third-party review. Others have developed security standards and provided additional assistance. The Homeland Security Department does not have the authority to require security assessments and upgrades at chemical plants and therefore cannot guarantee proper action is being taken. While private companies agree that legislation is needed, there is no consensus on the requirements to be included in the legislation. Points of contention include the use of safer chemicals and risk-reducing processes. The GAO report recommends: Congress pass legislation giving Homeland Security the authority to require chemical plant security assessments; that the department quickly complete a plan to coordinate with federal, state and local government and private companies on identifying and countering threats to chemical plants; and work with the Environmental Protection Agency to determine the security benefits of installing safer technologies at facilities. The Homeland Security Department agreed with the first two recommendations but had concerns about research into safer technologies. The Environmental Protection Agency did not comment on the GAO report (U.S. Government Accountability Office report, Feb. 27).
| ||||||||||
Back to top
