District News Articles
- 12/18/2009 DECEMBER IS CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION MONTH
On December 2nd President Obama proclaimed the month of December “Critical Infrastructure Protection Month”.
“Critical infrastructure protection is an essential element of a resilient and secure nation. Critical infrastructure are the assets, systems, and networks, whether physical or virtual, so vital to the United States that their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on security, national economic security, public health or safety. From water systems to computer networks, power grids to cellular phone towers, risks to critical infrastructure can result from a complex combination of threats and hazards, including terrorist attacks, accidents, and natural disasters. During Critical Infrastructure Protection Month, we pledge to work together to shelter our communities from the harm of uncertain threats.” (excerpt from Proclamation)
The Presidential proclamation underscores the vital importance of the ongoing work and achievements of the private sector and the government in protecting and ensuring the resilience of our Nation’s critical infrastructure and key resources.
From energy systems that power our neighborhoods, to transportation networks that move us around our communities and the country, to facilities that provide our families with safe drinking water, critical infrastructure and key resources (CIKR) impacts nearly every aspect of our daily lives.
CIKR is an umbrella term referring to the assets of the United States essential to the nation's security, public health and safety, economic vitality, and way of life. CIKR is divided into 18 separate sectors, as diverse as agriculture and food, water and wastewater networks, emergency services, and computer systems.
Because this critical infrastructure provides our District with the enormous benefits, services and opportunities on which we rely, Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District is very mindful of the risks posed to its infrastructures by terrorists, pandemic diseases and natural disasters and that these threats can have serious effects on our customers. Improving and maintaining the security of our District’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructures has become a top priority since the events of 9/11.
In 2005 the District completed a federally mandated vulnerability assessment of its critical assets. The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 required all water utilities serving a population of 3,300 or greater to submit a vulnerability assessment to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The vulnerability assessment reviewed the District’s mission, prioritized assets, audited security procedures and features and made recommendations to enhance safety and protection of District assets. The assessment confirmed that existing District security practices and safeguards were adequate for the level of risk associated with each asset. During this time the District also updated its Emergency Response Plan that provides guidance and instructions for responding to various types of emergency situations which includes activities that are coordinated with local, state, regional and federal emergency response agencies. This plan is reviewed annually.
As part of the Critical Infrastructure Protection Month proclamation, President Obama “calls upon the people of the United States to recognize the importance of partnering to protect our Nation's resources...” by working with their local and state agencies “to engage in...infrastructure protection activities...”
Concerned customers can help protect District water/wastewater infrastructures by joining together with law enforcement, District personnel, and local public health and safety officials to promote public awareness in areas relevant to water safety and security. Several resources are available to give customers information and guidance to help prepare for potential emergency incidents and incorporate security activities into their daily lives. One such resource is the EPA’s Water Security web page which includes a Public Involvement in Water Security page on what the public can do to help protect water resources.
As a part of this partnership, Platte Canyon District staff ask that if you witness suspicious activity around its water/wastewater assets (District buildings, manholes, fire hydrants, etc.), please call law enforcement officials immediately.
