BRINJAC ENGINEERING TO CONDUCT VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENTS AND SECURITY UPGRADE SERVICES FOR PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov HARRISBURG, PA -- In the wake of terrorist attacks in the U.S., utilities and other infrastructure targets are seeking expert assistance in determining their vulnerability to service interruption. Brinjac Engineering, one of Pennsylvania's largest and leading engineering firms, quickly mobilized joining the firm's existing infrastructure security team with the water and wastewater engineering group to provide unique and comprehensive vulnerability assessment of drinking water supply facilities. In immediate response to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandate, Brinjac environmental engineer Mark Pickering and senior security designer Brett Stafford were recently trained in Risk Assessment Methodology for Water System Security (RAM-WSM) -- the only assessment methodology recommended by the EPA. Devised by Sandia National Laboratories in conjunction with AWWA Research Foundation, the methodology is to be utilized by water systems and their consultants to assess their existing facilities against the threat of sabotage or other malicious acts. Per the recently passed bill, H.R. 3448, all water systems serving more than 3,300 users will be required to conduct an assessment of their water system as well as develop an Emergency Response/Operating Plan (EOP). The first phase of the program involves the largest water systems in the country or those water utilities serving more than 100,000 people. Nearly 400 of the nation's large public drinking water systems will receive EPA security Planning Grants of up to $115,000. These water utilities must conduct and complete a comprehensive vulnerability assessment of their facilities by December 31, 2002, or within six months of grant award. The 3-day training course attended by Pickering and Stafford in Columbus, Ohio, in July, addressed critical areas of concern including how to conduct vulnerability assessments, develop emergency response plans, and upgrade existing security at water facilities to meet the guidelines provided in the EPA's Security Planning Grant. The training course and other federal funding is now available to assist public water systems in conducting vulnerability assessments and initiating infrastructure improvements needed to protect public health. Engineering a better future since 1955, Brinjac Engineering provides a variety of engineering services through its fully staffed offices in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley and Williamsport. For more information about the firm, please visit www.brinjac.com. For additional copies of this news release, please contact Karen Gross at (717) 975-2148, kgross@hersheyphilbin.com, or visit the newsroom at www.hersheyphilbin.com. ###

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