The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has released an interim final rule that imposes comprehensive federal security regulations for high-risk chemical facilities.

This rule establishes risk-based performance standards for the security of our nation’s chemical facilities. It requires covered chemical facilities to It requires covered chemical facilities to prepare Security Vulnerability Assessments, which identify facility security vulnerabilities, and to develop and implement Site Security Plans, which include measures that satisfy the identified risk-based performance standards.

It also allows certain covered chemical facilities, in specified circumstances, to submit Alternate Security Programs in lieu of a Security Vulnerability Assessment, Site Security Plan, or both.

You can find more information at: http://www.dhs.gov/xprevprot/programs/gc_1169501486179.shtm

The nation’s standard guidelines for protecting the public from potential malevolent acts and other threats by enhancing the physical security of water and wastewater infrastructure systems draft guidelines were available for comment and trial use until June 30, 2007. The draft standards were then to be revised as necessary and submitted to the American National Standards Institute for approval as an American National Standard.

The voluntary standard guidelines Phase III of the Water Infrastructure Security Enhancements (WISE) program were jointly developed by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA) with technical input from the Water Environment Federation (WEF). These security recommendations and improvements are beginning wider adoption with funding from DHS in 2009 and beyond.

Risk reduction standards for water, wastewater and stormwater systems are an essential part of protecting our nation’s infrastructure from potential terrorist threats. (more…)