Short Takes – 10-1-24

NTSB Releases Illustrated Digest of East Palestine Investigation Report. NTSB.gov press release. Pull quote: “The National Transportation Safety Board released an illustrated digest of its investigation into the 2023 derailment of a Norfolk Southern Railway freight train carrying hazardous materials in East Palestine, Ohio. The illustrated digest serves as a companion to the NTSB’s 201-page final report, using photos and graphics to illustrate how and why the derailment occurred as well as explaining NTSB safety recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future. While the final report remains the NTSB’s definitive publication on the derailment, the digest highlights the depth and scope of the 16-month investigation.”

A Practical Analysis of Cyber-Physical Attacks Against Nuclear Reactors. Reversemode.com blog post. Pull quote from referenced report: “While this research focused on potential cyber-physical threats to traditional nuclear power plants, it is important to consider the future of nuclear energy, particularly the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). SMRs, with their enhanced safety features, reduced capital costs, and potential for deployment in remote locations, represent a promising path towards a sustainable energy future. However, as SMRs are expected to be increasingly integrated as critical infrastructures, it becomes paramount to prioritize cybersecurity considerations. The insights gained from analyzing potential issues in existing digital I&C platforms and NPP designs, may serve as valuable lessons for designing and implementing robust and resilient safety systems for SMRs, ensuring the peaceful and secure utilization of this vital energy source.”

Hezbollah pager attacks will trigger tighter security at airports, schools, and even hospitals, experts say. CyberNews.com editorial. Pull quote: “Most importantly, Tufts said “we need to understand if our modern scanning equipment would have detected this form of explosive.” Until this is determined, he said Americans should expect the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in charge of security at all US airports – to overcorrect. “On the whole, TSA is not going to trust any device with a cell antenna for the next 18 months,” he warned. “Lines are about to get longer.””

As Earth’s Climate Unravels, More Scientists Are Ready to Test Geoengineering. ScientificAmerican.com article. Longer read. Pull quote: “Caldeira thinks support for SRM will continue to broaden, especially if drought and famine caused by climate change—which have already begun—happen year after year and disproportionately affect poorer countries. “SRM is the only way to start cooling the Earth within a few years,” he says. “There would be mounting pressure on political leaders [in poorer affected countries] to deploy it. Or at least, they could use the threat of SRM to get more aid from wealthy countries.””

EPA Requires City of Tolleson, Ariz. to Comply with Chemical Safety Laws. EPA.gov press release. Pull quote: “Following the inspection, the City of Tolleson proactively made significant safety improvements to its facility. It also completed equipment repairs, installed safety signage, and protected its outdoor chlorine cylinders. It improved its documentation management system, completed a compliance audit, and revalidated its process hazard analysis. The Plant has returned to compliance with most deficiencies identified in the inspection report. Only two remaining tasks are due by the end of 2024, as required in the settlement agreement. These tasks include providing documentation for its chlorine storage room's ventilation system and completing all recommendations identified in its latest compliance audit.”