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.

Last week I was able to attend the 2012 Chemical Sector Security Summit (Summit) in Baltimore, Maryland. The Summit, which is co-funded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA), is one of the largest annual gatherings of chemical security professionals. 

In her opening remarks, Suzanne Spaulding, Deputy Under Secretary, National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD), DHS, discussed some of the current cyber security risks facing industry, stressing the need for industry to take a holistic approach to security that includes both cyber and physical protective measures. She noted that DHS is here as a partner to industry, and cooperation and collaboration is essential to ensuring a safe and secure homeland.

I recently obtained a copy of the Agricultural, Chemical, and Petroleum Industry Terrorism Handbook (Handbook) published by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Justice (DOJ). In developing the chemical security Handbook, the FBI collaborated with a number of private entities and trade organizations, including the American Petroleum Institute (API), the American Chemistry Council (ACC), the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA), and the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD), among others.  

The Handbook is a valuable resource for chemical and petro-chemical industry stakeholders that can help assist in identifying, preventing, and responding to terrorist attacks, security incidents and threats. It provides a chemical industry-specific threat overview, describes the National Response Framework (NRF), explains how to identify triggers, and gives guidance on the law enforcement communication process and information sharing.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it will be hosting its sixth annual Chemical Sector Security Summit in Baltimore, Maryland July 31 – August 1, 2012. The Summit – which is co-funded by the DHS National Protection & Programs Directorate’s Office of Infrastructure Protection (NPPD/IP) and SOCMA (Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates)  is a must attend event for security professionals and anyone with security responsibilities in the chemical sector.

It is an excellent forum to exchange information and best practices, learn the latest on chemical security regulations, and meet and interact with DHS and law enforcement officials. The 2011 Summit drew a record attendance of over 500 stakeholders and we expect this year’s Summit to be even bigger. As with years past, the Summit will have an early registration day and welcome reception on Monday, July 30. Note that DHS will no longer be holding demos and workshops for a full day following the Summit.

The Senate Appropriations Committee today approved its Homeland Security Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2013. The Senate bill includes $86.5 million for the Department of Homeland Security’s Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS), which is $7 million less than fiscal year 2012, but $12 million above the president’s request for the program and $40 million above the amount included in the House bill.

The Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA) recently held its 5th Annual Washington Fly-In in D.C. At the day and a half event, members heard from Congressional speakers, networked with fellow SOCMA members, and had the opportunity to directly voice their concerns on Capitol Hill. Over 30 SOCMA members met with approximately 60 Congressional offices, educating members of Congress and their staff about the batch, custom, and specialty chemical manufacturing industry.

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates (SOCMA) Fourth Annual Washington Fly-In. The purpose of the event is to give SOCMA members the chance to meet with members of Congress and governmental agencies and their staffs to talk about industry issues and the future. We found that legislators in Washington, D.C. were very focused on the budget at this time.