
				Pat Quinn, Governor

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Environmental Progress - Winter 2002

Vulnerability Assessment Workshops Held

IEPA, ERTC jointly sponsor dozen
security training workshops

As an outgrowth of the events of Sept. 11, 2001, a series of 12 workshops was held around Illinois during January and February. The four hour sessions brought together water plant operators, supervisors and municipal utility officials to assess the potential vulnerability of their facilities to attack by bio-terrorists.

Immediately following the terrorist attacks last fall, IEPA regional field staff, as well as headquarters personnel, began working with local officials for enhanced protection of the state's public water supplies. The subsequent series of workshops allowed a more in-depth approach to identified needs for security as well as emergency responses, threat classifications and security methods. Security training materials were provided to attendees to assist them in doing vulnerability assessments at their own facilities.

The Environmental Resources Training Center at Southern Illinois University/Edwardsville since 1977 has been the designated Illinois center for continuing education of personnel involved in the operation, maintenance and management of drinking water and wastewater treatment systems. Completion of training at ERTC qualifies students to take Illinois certification examinations administered by the IEPA.

The vulnerability sessions were offered in East Peoria, Springfield, Rockford, Moline, Peru, Urbana, Effingham, Carbondale, ERTC, Crystal Lake, Aurora and Joliet.