Utilities Solutions
Protection of U.S. critical infrastructures and hazardous facilities against terrorist attacks is one of the fundamental missions of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Without question, security is a major concern for U.S. nuclear power plants.
Requirements for the protection of utilities are changing rapidly as we recognize that they are a critical piece of our nation's infrastructure. Security standards include requirements for physical access to these assets as well as prescribed responses to incidents and audit trails to verify the response.
Specific changes implemented at plants across the country since Sept 11, 2001 include altered or new physical barriers, video surveillance, expanded access control, vehicle checks, patrols and checkpoints, expanded weaponry, increased security personnel and training enhancements.
A host of federal and state agencies, including the U.S. federal government’s National Infrastructure Protection Center (NIPC), and those outlined by the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC), are working on a course of action to ensure the physical and cyber security of major utility plants and their distribution networks across the country.
Without the proper perimeter surveillance and intrusion detection systems, industrial facilities, large and small, are susceptible to potential attacks that could have catastrophic results. For example, there are nearly 825 chemical plants in the US that each place 100,000 or more people at risk of serious injury or death as a result of a toxic emission. Of these 825 facilities, 123 pose a threat to a 1,000,000 or more people. In addition, more than half of the US' nuclear power plants (high-risk terrorist targets) operate in or very near, major metropolitan areas.
The threat exists now, and plants must act to secure their facilities before terrorists take advantage of their vulnerabilities. With plant budgets severely impacted by increased security measures mandated by the NRC since the September 11 attacks, security and facility management staff need a reliable and cost effective solution to protect the plant perimeter.
AMAG Technology is working in tandem with security consultants and integrators to help US and international utility companies quickly create systems that address their newly realized vulnerabilities. In one instance, international electricity and gas supplier, Xcel Energy, is using an enterprise-wide Symmetry Security Management System to secure its facilities across 12 states. The city of Seattle is using an AMAG enterprise system to secure a network of facilities throughout the city including its Public Utilities Water Department.
AMAG understands the sensitive and complex issues involved in securing utility facilities, including multiple location sites, budget constraints and size. We work closely with you to understand your specific needs, and adapt our Symmetry Security Management System so it can manage all aspects of your facility.
Contact AMAG Technology to see which Symmetry Security Management System is right for your nuclear plant. Together we can provide a safe environment for plant staff and community residents. To find out more about how AMAG Technology is helping its utility customers strengthen the security of their facilities, click the links below:
For more information about utility security, visit the sites listed below: