In the last week there have been some major changes to the Web Site that the Department of Homeland Security maintains to explain the various parts of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS, 6 CFR Part 27) regulations. In almost all cases the changes are adding information and explanations rather than reflecting any changes in procedures or policies.
Two entirely new web pages have been added to the site:
Risk for Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) This page explains the concepts of risk, risk-based performance standards and risk-based facility tiering.
How Appendix A: Chemicals of Interest Was Developed This page explains how the chemicals in Appendix A were selected as well as the different types of security issues that might involve these chemicals.
The following pages had significant additions or changes made to existing pages on the site:
Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards A section was added explaining how the interim final rule was developed.
Chemical Security Assessment Tool Added a section to explain how the CSAT data will be used by DHS. Completely revised the section on when surveys are due.
Identifying Facilities Covered by the Chemical Security Regulation Added explanations for the exceptions from this regulation for certain types of sites. Specifically noted for the first time on the site that railroads and pipelines do not fall under this regulation at this time.
The following pages had minor editorial changes or simply added links to the new pages described above:
Critical Infrastructure: Chemical Security
Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Proposed Appendix A: DHS Chemicals of Interest
Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Fact Sheet
It is nice to see a government agency taking the time to insure that the information that they communicate via their web site is more complete and detailed. This reflects positively on the outreach efforts that DHS is making to ensure that the new chemical facility security regulations are implemented effectively and efficiently. It would have been better, however, if DHS had announced that they were making changes to their site instead of relying on muckrakers like me to point it out.
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