Skip to main content

A Review of the EPA Water Security Research and Technical Support Action Plan Parts I and II (2004) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:

2 Overview Issues in the Review of the Water Security Research and Technical Support Action Plan
Pages 15-24

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 15...
... Key issues addressed include presenting an overarching framework for the Action Plan, developing an effective implementation strategy for this research, improving information sharing, clarifying the roles and responsibilities of supporting agencies, assessing the costs and benefits of water security research and technical support efforts, and clearly articulating the time frame and emphasis for the EPA's research investment strategies. Other suggestions are presented related to the structure and presentation of the document.
Read the entire page →
From page 16...
... ..... Water Security Implementation Plans for Utilities and Regional Agencies Figure 2-1.
Read the entire page →
From page 17...
... 6.c) Although the research and technical support activities implemented under the Action Plan will contribute useful information and tools toward water security efforts, utilities and regional agencies need additional and integrated guidance as they prepare their own unique implementation plans.
Read the entire page →
From page 18...
... The Action Plan does not identify the need for overarching water security guidance for prevention and response, which is needed for regional agencies and utilities to develop and implement their own prevention, response, and recovery plans. The Action Plan is also silent on the financial resources required to implement improved water security, and on the importance of communicating with the public, customers, rate regulators, and local elected and appointed officials regarding increased rate structures to create the necessary financial resources to implement countermeasures and the value of water and increased water system security.
Read the entire page →
From page 19...
... Details on available funding will be needed when developing an implementation plan for the identified research and technical support projects, as availability of funding will likely determine the prioritization strategies for conducting the research. The NRC panel will review the prioritization of the water security projects detailed in the Action Plan in its subsequent report (Part II)
Read the entire page →
From page 20...
... However, the rapidity and high stakes of the potential terrorist attacks on water supplies suggest that the EPA should pay particular attention to improving interagency coordination and to determining the roles, capabilities, and training of other agencies. The use of field and table-top exercises, where local, regional, and federal agencies collectively respond to a simulated water supply system attack, is strongly encouraged as it will reveal problems, help target resources, and allow personnel in sister agencies to meet each other and establish relationships that will be extremely valuable in case of a real emergency.
Read the entire page →
From page 21...
... Legal issues related to criminal investigations, such as chain of custody, preservation of evidence, and control of information in the face of a contemplated arrest and prosecution, will need to be considered in advance because the need for information dissemination to environmental and public health authorities, communication with the public, and decontamination activities will likely present opposing demands. IDENTIFYING COSTS AND BENEFITS OF ENHANCED SECURITY AND RESEARCH The Action Plan as now written is silent on the question of costs accruing to the proposed research and technical support projects and water security enhancements and their associated benefits, such as reduced risk.
Read the entire page →
From page 22...
... Some of the products will be released before they are perfected or complete, in order to provide immediate improvements to water security and response capabilities; thus, the EPA is acknowledging that sometimes perfect is the enemy of the good. The pane!
Read the entire page →
From page 23...
... One concern in the Action Plan is that the priorities for the research needs have not been adequately described. The Action Plan states that no prioritization was assigned to any of the identified research ant} technical support needs because the stakeholders considered all of the research needs high priority.
Read the entire page →
From page 24...
... An effective broad communication strategy should be developed that meets the needs of the wide range of stakeholders, including response organizations, water organizations anc} utilities, public health agencies, and the media, while addressing security concerns. Consideration should be made as to how water security information databases will be accessed, who will be granted access (and with what security clearance)
Read the entire page →

Key Terms

  • water security
  • security research
  • implementation plans
  • regional agencies
  • drinking water

  • security action
  • support projects
  • epa water
  • health agencies
  • security concerns

  • homeland security
  • sensitive information
  • communication plan
  • wastewater utilities
  • water organizations

  • include plans
  • underlying priorities
  • including response
  • communication strategy
  • individual pieces

  • information sharing
  • overarching framework
  • response organizations
  • broad communication
  • response capabilities

  • support activities
  • integrated water
  • broad guidance
  • identified research
  • response guidance


    • This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
    More information on Chapter Skim is available.