District among first in California with EPA grant to work with law enforcement, engineering security specialists, to protect water supply from terrorist acts
GRANITE BAY, Calif., Sept. 24, 2002 -- Engineering security specialists for the San Juan Water District (SJWD) finished investigating security and emergency response procedures with local and federal law enforcement authorities as part of an in-depth study of SJWD's security systems to protect the operation from terrorists.
The security specialists updated SJWD board members and area water district officials on the vulnerability assessment currently underway at a presentation on the anniversary of 9/11.
The SJWD treats and delivers water to 265,000 customers in eastern Sacramento and south Placer counties, including selling water wholesale to Citrus Heights and Fair Oaks water districts, Orange Vale Water Company and the San Juan Water District retail area. SJWD also provides water to a portion of the city of Folsom and periodically treats and delivers to the Sacramento Suburban Water District.
"They were definitely the first local water agency to come to us and seek our assistance," according to Glenn G. Norling, a special agent with the FBI in Sacramento. "They understand the need to be proactive in reviewing security procedures. Obviously they have budget constraints, but they're consulting with law enforcement agencies and doing what they can, and doing so in the smartest way possible."
The district was among the first three water agencies in the nation to apply for and receive a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to perform a security assessment specifically focused on potential acts of terrorism.
In the coming months, the district will examine its communications systems including telephones, intercoms, radios, public address, and its computer connectivity. The study also includes reviewing existing security features such as fences, lighting, access, and closed circuit TV to see what enhancements may be needed. Security specialists also are analyzing potential scenarios terrorists may use, such as cyber attacks.
The report will be completed in January 2003.
