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BIOTERRIORISM ACT Fallout from the attacks of September 11, 2001 includes a Strategy for Water Security Systems nationwide. In )anuary 2002 President Bush signed the Supplemental Defense Appropriations Bill, which contains $89 million to use for the US Environmental Protection Agency _ _ _ , , _ , , . , , - • , (USEPA) for security related needs. Of these funds the USEPA tkq provided approximately $53 million for Vulnerability ~ ~ . , . . , , „ populatio •d. Population 010► Assessments (VA), Emergency Response Plans (ERP) and Security Planning at drinking water systems serving 100,000 people or more. However, Congress has yet to introduce appropriation bills that provide additional water system security related funding for medium and small-size utilities. Since funding is not immediately available, medium and small- size Cities must carefully consider how to achieve value while still tulfilling the requirements of the Bioterriorism Act. FREESE AND A first step is to conduct a VA. The VA will locate areas open to terrorist or other NICHOLS: intentional acts that threaten to substantially disrupt the ability of the City of Paris to provide safe and reliable services. The City shall then prepare an ERP. This plan incorporates the results of the VA where necessary. The City shall respond to the HELPING YOD USEPA no later than six months after completion of the VA. The ERP should include plans, procedures and identification of equipment that can be implemented or utilized in the event of an attack on the City's water system. PROTECT YOUR In August of 2002 the USEPA provided baseline information to community water systems required to conduct the VA. WATER SUPPLY How can a municipality achieve value in complying with the Bioterriorism Act? • Promote a culture of preparedness and security within the water system and staff. Policies and procedures are the foundation of any good security system and are cost-effective. These can begin with staff involvement in the VA process. Providing adequate redundancy to prepare for not only terrorist-type emergencies but also other emergencies. A systematic review of the City's water system and assets during the VA will show any weaknesses or single points of failure. Redundancy or alternatives can then be planned. Response to an emergency is the same regardless of whether the emergency is an intentional man-made emergency or a natural disaster. Plan and prepare for emergencies. Although it might not be cost-effective to prevent an attack, detection and planned and rapid responses are key. Security Measures EPA's goal is for each water system to conduct a VA and to take a step forward in addressing system security. The EPA does not define specific levels of security and does not define a minimum threat. During the VA FNI wil) assist the municipality in defining an appropriate level of security and standards, and in developing a phased implementation of recommendations. Innovative approaches . . ra oil FrNw rw Nlehols practical results Vulnerability A,>essment and Emergency Response Plan SOQ page 3