CFATS Monthly Report – June 2020

Yesterday the CISA Infrastructure Security Compliance Division (ISCD) published the monthly statistics for the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program. The June numbers reflect the recent resumption of compliance inspections that was announced by ISCD in June.

The table below shows the inspection data since the start of reduced inspection process due to the COVID-19 pandemic announced in March.

Inspection Data	Mar-20	Apr-20	May-20	Jun-20
Authorization Inspections	3	0	0	1
Compliance Inspections	105	2	4	35
Compliance Assistance	127	0	0	198

I am assuming that the large number of Compliance Assistance Visits reported were actually virtual visit, to keep in line with CISA guidance on reduced site visits to avoid personal contact.

The second table shows the status of facilities within the CFATS program.

Facility Status	Mar-20	Apr-20	May-20	Jun-20
Tiered	133	142	158	150
Authorized	163	160	138	130
Approved	3025	3033	3039	3061
Total	3321	3335	3335	3341

It is interesting to note the increase in ‘Tiered’ facilities in April and May. While some of this may just have been ISCD completing their assessment of previously submitted Top Screens (at least in April), the increase must almost certainly include some number of new Top Screen submissions. The other apparent anomaly is the increase in Approved facilities without an accompanying number of authorization inspections. This probably just reflects a processing time issue and perhaps some telephonic communications to clarify issues in the approval process.

Long-time readers of this blog will recall that I used to do monthly reports on these CFATS statistics. I may resume doing that in during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, just to highlight the dedication of the chemical security inspectors and ISCD staff that are continuing their efforts to ensure that the high-risk chemical facilities in the CFATS program remain protected against potential terrorist attack.