WAKEFIELD, Massachusetts, June 3, 2002 - In the wake of the September 11 attacks, environmental consultant Metcalf & Eddy, Inc. has been leading a team to help communities across the United States assess the vulnerability of their water and wastewater systems to terrorist activity. The team of specialists from several affiliated AECOM Technology Corporation companies has as its core members water/wastewater system engineers and vulnerability assessment, risk assessment and security design analysts and specialists from Metcalf & Eddy and DMJM Holmes & Narver.
M&E president John Somerville said, "M&E has designed literally thousands of water and wastewater systems and DMJM H+N is a world leader in the design and installation of security and force protection systems - so the team provides clients with the expertise they need to determine how best to move forward following September 11. We help them focus on the system elements that are most vulnerable, which is vital when resources are limited." Among those currently using the M&E team's vulnerability assessment services are five major urban U.S. water/wastewater agencies that represent a combined service population in excess 15 million.
The M&E team's assessment services typically involve data collection, field inspection of critical facilities, prioritization of risks, and short- and long-term risk management plans. "We typically advocate a phased implementation approach, says project director Larry VandeVenter. "That's usually the most cost-effective route to follow, but it also helps communities demonstrate quickly that they are actively safeguarding public health and safety. Realistic bolstering of public confidence is important."
In addition to providing consultancy services on a fast-track basis, M&E team staff is certified to provide training in the use of, or conduct vulnerability assessments using, the risk assessment methodology developed by Sandia National Laboratories. The M&E team is prepared to provide training in this methodology in a one-on-one setting with the client's staff using specific elements of their water or wastewater system. Once trained in the use of these vulnerability assessment methods, the client can then use this tool to perform their own assessment of their system. Alternatively, the M&E team can provide comprehensive vulnerability assessment of the system using the Sandia methodology, emergency response planning, and security system design.
Metcalf & Eddy, Inc. provides planning, design, construction and operation services for water, wastewater and hazardous waste management facilities and programs. Further information on the firm is available through its website at www.m-e.com. M&E is a member of the AECOM family of professional services companies. Named to Forbes magazine's list of the Top 500 Private Companies for 2001, AECOM Technology Corp. is a $1.5 billion corporation that deploys more than 14,200 employees on all seven continents through eight major operating companies.
