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570 <br />B10TERR10RISM ACT <br />Fallout from the attacks of September 11, 2001 includes a Strategy for Water <br />Security Systems nationwide. In January 2002 President Bush signed the <br />Supplemental Defense Appropriations Bill, which contains $89 <br />million to use for the US Environmental Protection Agency <br />(USEPA) for security related needs. Of these funds the USEPA <br />provided approximately $53 million for Vulnerability <br />Assessments (VA), Emergency Response Plans (ERP) and <br />Security Planning at drinking water systems serving 100,000 <br />people or more. However, Congress has yet to introduce <br />appropriation bills that provide additional water system <br />security related funding for medium and small -size utilities. <br />Since funding is not immediately available, medium and small - <br />size Cities must carefully consider how to achieve value while <br />still fulfilling the requirements of the Bioterriorism Act. <br />FREESE AND <br />A first step is to conduct a VA. The VA will locate areas open to terrorist or other <br />NICHOLS: <br />intentional acts that threaten to substantially disrupt the ability of the City of Paris to <br />provide safe and reliable services. The City shall then prepare an ERP. This plan <br />incorporates the results of the VA where necessary. The City shall respond to the <br />HELPING YOU <br />USEPA no later than six months after completion of the VA. The ERP should <br />include plans, procedures and identification of equipment that can be implemented <br />or utilized in the event of an attack on the City's water system. <br />PROTECT YOUR <br />In August of 2002 the USEPA provided baseline information to community water <br />systems required to conduct the VA. <br />WATER SUPPLY <br />How can a municipality achieve value in complying with the Bioterriorism Act? <br />• Promote a culture of preparedness and security within the water system and <br />staff. Policies and procedures are the foundation of any good security system <br />and are cost - effective. These can begin with staff involvement in the VA <br />process. <br />Providing adequate redundancy to prepare for not only terrorist -type <br />emergencies but also other emergencies. A systematic review of the City's <br />water system and assets during the VA will show any weaknesses or single <br />point$ of failure. Redundancy or alternatives can then be planned. Response to <br />an emergency is the same regardless of whether the emergency is an intentional <br />man -made emergency or a natural disaster. <br />• Plan and prepare for emergencies. Although it might not be cost - effective to <br />prevent an attack, detection and planned and rapid responses are key. <br />Security Measures <br />EPA's goal is for each water system to conduct a VA and to take a step forward in <br />addressing system security. The EPA does not define specific levels of security and <br />does not define a minimum threat. During the VA.FNI will assist the municipality <br />in defining an appropriate level of security and standards, and in developing a <br />phased implementation of recommendations. <br />Innovative approaches . . <br />MW <br />F,"" . Nichols <br />practical results <br />Vulnerability Assessment and Emergency Response Plan SOQ page 3 <br />