CFATS Has Made Real Progress This Year

Dec. 28, 2010
As I look back on the year I think we have made some real progress on chemical security and the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) in particular. While we haven't made the type of inroads that we would have wanted on the legislative side of things, I believe we have in many other areas.

• CFATS celebrated its fourth anniversary
• Most of the more than 4,700 facilities falling under CFATS have received a final tier

As I look back on the year I think we have made some real progress on chemical security and the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) in particular. While we haven't made the type of inroads that we would have wanted on the legislative side of things, I believe we have in many other areas.

• CFATS celebrated its fourth anniversary
• Most of the more than 4,700 facilities falling under CFATS have received a final tier
• Most CFATS facilities have also submitted an SSP or Site Security Plan to DHS
• DHS has added personnel to conduct more field inspections
• Preliminary inspections are being conducted by DHS to help facilities complete the SSP and pass final  inspections
• We have a better idea of the type of detail DHS needs in the SSP
• The Infrastructure Security Compliance Division (ISCD) has issued administrative orders to facilities that have failed to submit SSPs in 120 days and the response from those facilities has been good so far.
• DHS, the Coast Guard and TSA are continuing to work on harmonization with MTSA and the Freight Rail Rule.
• Online we have a new editing tool for SSPs and a tips document for putting together an SSP.
• DHS has increased outreach to CFATS stakeholders in the chemical industry

Obviously, the list goes on, but these are just some of the things that have been accomplished this year. It is a great start with some excellent momentum. I hope that we can also make some legislative gains next year. I believe we will see more conferences, Webinars and information sharing in general on the topic of CFATS. Again, I will try to provide you with as much information as I can in the coming year.

In the meantime, I want to wish all of you a very happy and safe New Year.

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