Security At Wastewater Treatment Plants
- By Ralph C. Jensen
- Nov 30, 2009
The House of Representatives has passed key legislation which will establish a new grant program dedicated to the security of wastewater treatment plants.
Called the Chemical and Water Act of 2009, this legislation would create a wastewater treatment plant security grant within the EPA. The program would authorize $200 million in annual grants through 2014.
Although the bill awaits action in the Senate, it is a good piece of legislation in which money would be used for purchase and installation of security lighting and cameras, door locks, access control equipment, intrusion detection devices and other security items that would improve electronic, computer and remote security systems.
“Wastewater treatment plants are among our most critical infrastructure, yet they are also some of the most vulnerable facilities,” said Don Erickson, SIA director of government relations. “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.”
This is an excellent move by the House, and hopefully the Senate will make quick work in approving this measure so that states, municipalities and interstate agencies can apply for these grants.
About the Author
Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.