The first entry I wrote for this blog back in April 2010 was entitled “The Chemical Security Conversation” begins -- and what a conversation it’s been. I hope that we have been able to provide you with relevant news and information and maybe shed some light on a complex topic. Since that first blog we have seen an increase in attention from the industry and more people than ever are talking about chemical security issues.  As with all good conversations this one has evolved as has my own involvement with chemical manufacturers/facilities and industry organizations.  That most precious and finite of resources – time – has become increasingly limited for me and my team.  So, unfortunately after much thought I ‘ve decided that this will be my last blog. It doesn’t mean the conservation ends. It just means it takes a new course and format.  

For this last blog I wanted to focus on some of the highlights of the last two plus years.

At the 2012 Chemical Sector Security Summit I had the opportunity to attend the Theft and Diversion breakout session, which explored various chemical theft and diversion schemes as well as some of the measures companies are implementing to mitigate chemical theft and diversion. The Theft and Diversion panelists included Christina Hubert, Intelligence Analyst, Office of Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Ron Razzolini, Corporate Director of Security, PVS Chemicals, and Chris Gibson, EHS&R Manager, Hawkins, Inc.

Ms. Hubert opened the session by comparing two different cases of recent “lone wolf” terrorist attempting to obtain chemicals to use in an attack.

The case of Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari, the Saudi college student arrested last year in Texas on suspicion of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction, is set for trial on April 30. Employees at both the chemical supply company where Aldawsari attempted to purchase Phenol and at the shipping company asked to deliver the chemical identified the transaction as suspicious. The employees tipped off the FBI, thwarting Aldawsari’s plans to build bombs to blow up critical infrastructure. 

Last week, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued a notice of inquiry seeking public comments on the impact that implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) has had on commercial activities involving “Schedule 1” chemicals during 2011.