Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: TICs & TIMs

Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism
Training Support Package
Participant Guide
Slide 20
Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism:
TICs & TIMs
Cross Connection / Backflow Threats
One sociopath who understands hydraulics and
has access to a drum of toxic chemicals could
inflict serious damage pretty quickly to a water
supply system in a neighborhood or a
pressure zone without detection in most
communities. - Denileon : JAWWA 2001
Module One - Chemical Contamination of Food, Water, and Medication
20
The vulnerabilities of the distribution system are highlighted by this statement in the
Journal of The American Water Works Association. In this article, written before the
2001 U.S. terrorist attacks, Ms. Denileon discusses several potential types of terrorists,
their funding, and potential targets. She reaches a conclusion, shared by the EPA, that
the cross-connection issue is the highest priority vulnerability within our water system.
Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism:
TICs & TIMs
Cross Connection Example
North Carolina (1997)
• 60 gal. retardant foam pumped into hydrant
• No local labs for testing
• Water use ban on 40,000 households
• 90 million gallons used to flush system
• No drinking water for 39 hrs
Krouse: Opflow 2001
Module One - Chemical Contamination of Food, Water, and Medication
21
In 1997, a mistaken cross-connection made by fire fighters in North Carolina caused 60
gallons of fire retardant foam to be pumped into the local drinking water system. Firemen
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