WATERBURY, CT, May 14, 2002 -- Haestad Methods announced that it has been selected to advise the Ministry of Economic Development in Colombia on the safety and security of the country's water infrastructure.
Haestad Methods has been chosen based on its expertise in water security, superior training capabilities, and outstanding reputation in the water resources industry.
Funded by the Ministry of Economic Development, the Haestad Methods' team will be brought to Cartagena, Colombia on May 8-10 to present how to help prevent terrorist attacks on water supplies; including how to conduct vulnerability assessments, develop contingency plans in case of an emergency, and upgrade security systems. Some of the other well-known organizations presenting on crucial topics include the World Bank (USA), Black & Veatch (USA), and Nu Water Company (England).
There have been five instances of terrorist activity to Colombia's water supplies since the beginning of the year. Recently, the Potable Water Company in Pitalito detected a toxic substance in the aqueduct of Pitalito, Huila. Contamination disrupted the use of water to approximately 70 thousand people whose consumption was prohibited for several days.
This opportunity to present security strategies to Colombian officials comes on the heels of Haestad Methods' selection to become a licensed trainer in the Risk Assessment Methodology for Water Utilities (RAM-WSM) training program and its initiative in sponsoring the first-of-its-kind International Water Security Summit.
"With current world events, the demand for consulting and training on water security has grown immensely. We are honored to lend our expertise in assisting the Colombian government with setting forth the appropriate guidelines to help protect the safety and security of their water infrastructure," said Niclas Ingemarsson, Executive Vice President for Haestad Methods.
About RAM-WSM Training:
Funded by the EPA, Haestad Methods was selected by Sandia National Laboratories and the AWWA Research Foundation to become a licensed trainer in the Risk Assessment Methodology for Water Utilities (RAM-W) training program. This training applies to all parties interested in conducting vulnerability assessments, developing emergency response plans, and upgrading security at water facilities in accordance with the EPA Security Planning Grant. For more information on Haestad Methods' RAM-W training programs, visit our web site at http://www.haestad.com/ced/ram, e-mail [email protected], or call toll free at 800-727-6555 (USA and Canada) or +1-203-755-1666 (worldwide). For more information on the firms that have been selected to become trainers for RAM-W training visit: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/security/sandia_training.pdf. This document will open as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file.
For more information on the EPA Grant Program visit: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/security.
About the International Water Security Summit:
Haestad Methods organized the International Water Security Summit to equip the water resources industry with critical guidelines for protecting water supply infrastructure. For more information on Haestad Methods' International Water Security Summit or its associated proceedings, visit the web site at www.watersecurity.org.
About Haestad Methods:
Haestad Methods is the world's provider of software for the design and analysis of water resources systems including water distribution, storm, and sanitary sewer infrastructure. Founded in 1979, Haestad Methods provides more than 125,000 civil engineers in over 170 countries with hydrologic and hydraulic computer modeling applications, continuing education workshops, and computer-assisted textbooks. For more information, visit: http://www.haestad.com.
About the Ministry of Economic Development in Colombia:
The Ministry of Economic Development's goal is to formulate and adopt general policies to enhance the economic, urban, and social development for the citizens of Colombia. Functions include those related to housing, industry, commerce, tourism, potable water, communications, and territorial and urban development in observance of the consecrated governing principles in the National Constitution. For more information, visit: http://www.mindesa.gov.co.
