Improving the Nation's Water Security Opportunities for Research (2007) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
5 Recommendations for Improving Program Implementation
5 Recommendations for Improving Program Implementation
Pages 71-90
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 71... ...
When it became clear that the information needs could not be addressed fully in the short term, the EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC) was made permanent, and the Water Infrastructure Protection Division was formed.
|
From page 72... ...
After studying the organization of the EPA's current water security research program, the committee suggests three broad program objectives to organize future water security research. These objectives were developed out of criterion 2 above and support the overarching goal of creating useful research products:
|
From page 73... ...
This objective emphasizes research that enhances post-incident activities, which aligns with the historic work of the EPA on mitigation and cleanup. Contingency planning, risk assessment, risk communication, and decontamination are all included in this research objective.
|
From page 74... ...
has criteria for determining its research priorities (e.g., focusing on threat scenarios for which the number of casualties is predicted to be greater than 10,000) , the EPA should use this opportunity to articulate its own criteria for defining research needs considering other important issues such as loss of public confidence or applications to natural disasters.
|
From page 75... ...
Suggestions are provided below with respect to the distribution of intramural and extramural research, strengthening the research program, and improving the mechanisms available for independent peer review. Distribution of Intramural and Extramural Research Much of the water security research and technical support work conducted under the Action Plan is being done by organizations outside the EPA, including other governmental organizations and nongovernmental entities.
|
From page 76... ...
76 IMPROVING THE NATION'S WATER SECURITY · Excessive dependence on contracting may hinder the development of the precise skills and knowledge required for EPA staff to prepare and manage external research contracts effectively. Adequate contract oversight necessitates that one or more persons at the NHSRC be capable of writing an effective scope of work, monitoring the progress of the contract, and interpreting the results in the context of a water security application.
|
From page 77... ...
Such areas include physical security and behavioral sciences (see Chapter 4)
|
From page 78... ...
One key part of strengthening the EPA water security research program involves building alliances with relevant experts. The EPA is currently working to expand its network of experts while also improving coordination among federal agencies and nongovernment organizations through the Distribution System Research Consortium.1 The EPA has held several meetings, including its Water Sector Security Workshops 1The Distribution System Research Consortium is an umbrella organization made up of 14 partnering federal and nonfederal organizations to advance science, technology, and research to protect water distribution systems from terrorist attack.
|
From page 79... ...
The EPA has used the Science Advisory Board (SAB) to provide broad-level programmatic review, and the Homeland Security Advisory Committee was formed through the SAB in 2005 to provide focused advice to the NHSRC on homeland security issues.
|
From page 80... ...
In other words, the communications plan should be client-centered. Recommendations are provided below for improving the NHSRC's water security research communications to complement existing agency initiatives.
|
From page 81... ...
Based on follow-up research, additional ways to further improve communication for subsequent reports were identified. The success of the EPA's water security research program will be dependent on the ability to supply stakeholders with useful research products in a timely manner.
|
From page 82... ...
Multiple mechanisms exist for making end users aware that new water security research and technical support information is available, including homeland security-specific mechanisms and broadly applicable information portal technology, which are described below. The EPA faces an additional challenge of information overload when communicating the results of EPA water security research.
|
From page 83... ...
, that have the capability of broadcasting nonclassified information to water security stakeholders. Membership in the WaterISAC requires fee-based subscriptions and is limited to water and wastewater utilities, state administrators, and EPA personnel.
|
From page 84... ...
In this manner, researchers, public health officials, or others could contact EPA staff to determine if access to the research information should be allowed. While keeping some kinds of information classified or "for official use only" might be reasonable under routine conditions, some mechanism should also be available to release information in emergency situations to an appropriate class of user (e.g., a water utility operator)
|
From page 85... ...
The goal of the water security portal should be to become a primary source for water security research information and a true entry portal for further information of arbitrary depth and specialization. Such sites now exist for other focused interest communities and have become the initial stops for particular topics.
|
From page 86... ...
The simple but crucial mechanism of constructing a general water security information portal could help address the problems of lack of coordination and communication, which are significant barriers to efficient use of resources and effective harvesting of useful information. Evaluating and Improving Communication Strategies Feedback mechanisms are essential to identify the types of organizations using the EPA's water security research and to learn ways to improve the content and dissemination of the results.
|
From page 87... ...
In particular, short courses and workshops should be developed to support the EPA's water security tools and models when it can be determined that face-to-face interaction adds substantial value over information technology training mechanisms. The EPA's "train-the-trainer" concept, in which the agency trains state water program personnel on drinking water-related issues including water security, has also been effective to facilitate information and technology transfer to local utilities.
|
From page 88... ...
To enhance a vision for future research, the committee presents three strategic objectives for organizing future water security research initiatives, emphasizing research products that can guide pre-incident, incident, and postincident water security activities. Within these objectives, priority setting will be necessary, and several prioritizing criteria are presented.
|
From page 89... ...
Even if research is to be conducted via contracts, the EPA needs adequate inhouse expertise to evaluate and manage such contracts. Increased subject area expertise is specifically needed in the areas of physical security, behavioral sciences, and information management.
|
From page 90... ...
Technology transfer and training activities are also critical to the successful implementation of research products. The EPA should consider methods to disseminate important but sensitive security information.
|
Key Terms
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.