Clean Water Advocacy - News Releases - January 10, 2002
For Immediate Release: January 10, 2002
Contact: Adam Krantz, 202/833-4651, AMSA
AMSA's February Conference To Feature Sandy Berger, Security Assessment Tools
The events of September 11th focused renewed attention on protecting and managing our nation's critical water infrastructure, including the nation's wastewater collection systems and treatment facilities. The Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies' (AMSA) upcoming 2002 Winter Conference, Managing & Protecting Wastewater Infrastructure Assets, February 5-8, 2002 in Orlando, Fla. will examine two issues at the summit of the national water quality agenda - water security and asset management - in the new, post-September 11 world.
"This conference is truly a unique event," says AMSA's Executive Director, Ken Kirk. "We have former National Security Adviser Sandy Berger on hand to address the security issue from the perspective of a distinguished, national expert. At the same time, AMSA is previewing a one-of-a-kind software tool to help wastewater professionals assess vulnerabilities and protect their utilities' assets during periods of crisis, such as natural disasters and terrorism, " says Kirk.
The nation's utilities are striving to fully protect their customers, the nation's public health and environmental wellbeing from service interruptions and direct intervention associated with the full range of crisis events, from tornadoes to vandalism. Affording attendees a one-time sneak-peak of AMSA's vulnerability self-assessment software - a collaborative project with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - this conference is, simply stated, a must-attend. The software tool is scheduled for release as a final product in Spring 2002 and will be an invaluable aid to utility professionals across the nation who need to comprehensively assess and prioritize utility asset vulnerabilities, including to the physical plant, knowledge base, employees, information technology and customers. Additionally, the conference will feature a stellar panel on national initiatives to protect water and wastewater utilities and the communities they serve during times of crisis, comprised of federal and municipal leaders on this critical issue. EPA and the FBI-affiliated National Infrastructure Protection Center recognize AMSA's leadership role in assisting public wastewater utilities on infrastructure security matters, as this key conference exemplifies.
AMSA is also going to be releasing its asset management publication, Managing Public Infrastructure Assets to Minimize Cost and Maximize Performance, at the conference. This publication provides valuable guidance to utilities facing the triple challenges of urgently needed federal water infrastructure funding, increased security costs and shrinking budgets. For additional information visit AMSA's web site at www.amsa-cleanwater.org.
AMSA is a national trade association representing over 260 of the nation's publicly owned wastewater utilities. AMSA members serve the majority of the sewered population in the United States and collectively treat and reclaim over 18 billion gallons of wastewater every day. AMSA members are environmental practitioners dedicated to protecting and improving the nation's waters and public health.
1816 Jefferson Place, Washington, DC 20036-2505 • 202.833.AMSA • 202.833.4657 FAX