CCP 12-08-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . , . 2.14 Must our community water system undergo a vulnerability assessment using an EPA certified methodology or tool? Answer: EPA never certified any vulnerability assessment methodology or tool, nor does it Intend to do so. EPA supported the development of a variety of methodologies or tools which meet six elements that EPA has identified as basic to any vulnerability assessment and has encouraged their use. Community water systems are free to utilize any methodology or tool that addresses all components of a water system identified under the Bioterrorism Act (see Section 7.1 of the Instructions). Community water svstems should not confuse the need to certify their svstem's vulnerabilitv assessment (which is a Bioterrorism Act reauirement) with the need to use a certified vulnerabilitv assessment methodoloav or tool (which is not a reauirement). 2.15 If I complete vulnerability assessment training, am I qualified to be an assessor? Answer: EPA has no formal policy regarding certification of vulnerability assessment training, nor does it certify trainers who are providing training. Trainers, who are providing vulnerability assessment training, mayor may not provide training attendees with a certificate stating that they have successfully completed the course. A community water system needs to make its own judgment of the assessor's qualifications including the completion of vulnerability assessment training, which should consist of the six common elements of a good vulnerability assessment (see Appendix 2 of the Instructions). EPA recommends that community water systems carefully consider technical qualifications which include general security experience in risk assessments, water plant knowledge, references, and other technical qualifications. 2.16 Is there any EPA guidance on how to conduct an Emergency Response Plan? Answer: In order to assist community water systems with their emergency response plans EPA has developed an outline that large community water systems may use (those systems serving populations of more than 100,000). Following the emergency response plan outline is voluntary and will focus on basic elements and steps that a large community water system can use to incorporate the findings of its vulnerability assessment into an emergency response plan. EPA also plans to provide emergency response plan tools for community water systems serving between 3,300 and 100,000 people and also to provide training sessions nationwide to assist community water systems in the process of preparing or updating their emergency response plans. For the latest information on emergency response plan tools and training go to htto:/ /www.eoa.aov/oawdw/securitv/index.html. -5-