The Source Line Inc.

Security


	Could Right-To-Know Information Encourage Terrorism? The EPA will conduct a security analysis to determine whether some of the chemical risk management plans required under the Clean Air Act could be used by terrorists. The agency will hire security experts to assess the risk management plans (RMPs) that will be available to the public on the Internet. RMPs are made available to the public to improve accident prevention and emergency response practices. A subcommittee of the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee reviewed several issues surrounding RMPs at the request of the Electronic Data Submissions Workgroup. One of the issues was unrestricted access to the RMP information. Some members of the workgroup say the data about the amount of damage that might ensue from a worst-case chemical accident should be controlled in some way. Providing such information could lead to an increase in the instances of amateur terrorism, they claim. Other group members supported unrestricted access to the information, however. "Their argument is simple. The RMP is community right-to-know information and should be made available to the public," said Karen Shanahan, head of the Electronic Data Submissions Workgroup. James Markis, director of EPA's Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Office and a member of the subcommittee said that EPA believes that all information required under Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act should be available to everyone. From the Daily Regulatory Reporter, based on an article in the Daily Environment Report

	Relating To The Media During A Business Crisis Should a crisis hit your business, you won't want to be unprepared to deal with the media - they are your most important link to the public. Here is some of the helpful information provided by The Federal Emergency Management Agency: Advance Preparation Develop and maintain good relationships with the media in your area. Find out what they would need and be interested in under crisis circumstances. Choose a trained spokesperson, as well as an alternate. Establish procedures for ensuring that information is complete and accurate, that technical information is explained appropriately, and that it is clear which information is approved for public release. Set up a media briefing area. Assemble background information about the company and facility. Develop security procedures. During The Crisis Don't speculate about or place blame for the incident. Allow only authorized personnel to release information. Give all media, local and national, equal time. Keep records of all the information that is released. When possible, provide press releases, and conduct press briefings and interviews. Don't mislead the media or cover up facts. Based on a report in CP&M