Project Example

AEM engineers have worked with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency since before 9/11 to develop an awareness of the security needs of the nation's water and wastewater systems.  Working with EPA's Office of Water Security, AEM staff was active in the development of vulnerability assessment tools for the sector.  This effort resulted in the roll-out of the RAM-W methodology for the water sector, developed by the Sandia National Laboratories.  Following the successful deployment of this and other similar risk-based methodologies for the assessment of vulnerability, AEM staff provided leadership to the NDWAC's WSWG, tasked with identifying the core elements of security for the sector.  This 1-year effort brought together owners and operators from across the nation, their trade organizations and system regulators to examine all aspects of utility system security.  The result was a widely distributed and well received guidance on the elements that form an active and effective security program – both  structural as well as managerial.

AEM currently continues its involvement in this nationally important process through the development of measurement techniques and benchmarks for assessing the strength and resiliency of a water/wastewater system's security.  AEM staff provides subject matter expertise to the industry in this undertaking.  Further, AEM is currently working with the National Rural Water Association and others to develop appropriate security measurement techniques and procedures for the nation's smaller utility systems.