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Act protects local wastewater treatment plants

By Jim Berard 202-226-5064

By a vote of 230 to 193, the House of Representatives today approved H.R. 2868, the Chemical and Water Security Act of 2009. The bill improves security against terrorist attacks at major chemical facilities as well as drinking water and wastewater treatment plants.

This bill closes a major security loophole by enacting mandatory security standards applicable to wastewater treatment works. In addition, the bill continues the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority over such facilities.

“I want to just point out that while the Department of Homeland Security will set the standards, it will be the EPA and publicly owned treatment works—locally owned, operated, and managed— that will carry them out. It will not be done by Homeland Security,” said Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman James L. Oberstar (Minn.). Oberstar’s Committee has jurisdiction over EPA and wastewater issues under the Clean Water Act.

“This legislation ensures that EPA will appropriately balance wastewater treatment with security needs of the nation,” Oberstar said.

“I commend Chairman Thompson and Chairman Waxman for their efforts and thank them for their cooperation in crafting a comprehensive bill that enhances the security at our nation’s chemical, drinking water, and wastewater facilities.”

The bill now goes to the Senate.

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