Summary of January 2005 Government Accountability Office (GAO) Findings on Wastewater System Funding Recommendations for Security Improvements
The federal Senate Environment Committee asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to identify how wastewater security measures should be prioritized and funded. The final report was issued in January 2005. A summary of the findings are:
Key actions for funding
- Replace chlorine gas with less hazardous alternatives (ozone, ultraviolet light, hypochlorite).
- Complete vulnerability assessments for each facility and train staff.
- Improve local, state and regional responses to emergencies.
Other priorities for funding
- Train employees on how to conduct vulnerability assessments and improve security.
- Improve national communication between utilities and key homeland security agencies.
- Install early warning systems — Lower Explosive Level (LEL) meters — in the collection system to detect possible sabotage.
- Secure physical assets of the system with fencing, locks, alarms, cameras, etc.
- Strengthen personnel procedures to include employee background checks and better control of keys and important documents.
- Increase research to improve detection and emergency response procedures.
- Develop voluntary security standards and guidance.
- Strengthen cyber and SCADA system security.
Funding recommendations
- Direct federal grants are the most effective way to encourage security improvements
- Grants may require municipality monetary match in some instances
- Revolving Loan programs are not effective in encouraging security improvements
The GAO conducted a Web-based survey of 50 nationally recognized experts to develop the recommendations contained in the report.
Text from “The Clarifier,” Volume 161, June 2005 (www.wwoa.org)