WASHINGTON — Legislation to authorize $185 million to increase the safety and security of the nation's wastewater treatment plants was introduced in the US Senate on Thursday.
Sen. Jim Jeffords, I-VT, chairman of the Senate's Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, said the Wastewater Treatment Works Security and Safety Act of 2002 provides needed funds to assess vulnerability and implement security improvements.
"We cannot forget the vital importance of protecting our nation's wastewater facilities," he said in a news release.
"Everyday we take for granted the hundreds of thousands of miles of pipes buried underground and the thousands of wastewater treatment works that keep our water clean and safe. But, like all our nation's critical infrastructure, the disruption or destruction of these structures could have a devastating impact on public safety and health," said Jeffords.
In addition, he said the bill will ensure long-term safety and security by providing funds to research innovative technologies.
The bill also provides $15 million for grants to help small communities conduct vulnerability assessments, develop emergency response plans, and address potential threats to the treatment works.
The Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies has endorsed the legislation.
The House of Representatives has already passed a similar bill, HR 5169.
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