IssueAfter its insurance carrier expressed concern over inadequate emergency response and security at this municipal wastewater authority's northern New Jersey facilities, management at this confidential client initiated a review of facility security. Issues of concern included lack of adequate guard facilities at the front and rear entrances, porous perimeter with inconsistent barrier protection, anecdotal evidence of historic trespassing from public recreation and residential neighborhoods that abutted the property, and lack of remote monitoring for critical sites such as the barge area and pump stations.
Solution
Working with utility staff, Malcolm Pirnie's Red Oak Consulting division helped the client focus on protecting critical assets, building redundancy into the system and translating general security recommendations into cost-effective, implementable plans.
After reviewing all facility properties, including remote sites, we provided an integrated security plan and conceptual design for security enhancements. We recommended a phased approach to address immediate security needs that will provide groundwork for long-term facility improvements. In addition, Red Oak Consulting has reviewed existing emergency response plans and is currently incorporating updates and corrections to provide a user-friendly, up-to-date emergency response plan that will further strengthen the life safety and security procedures at the facility.
We recently completed the design of Phase I which included detailed designs for perimeter fencing, additional CCTV units, hardening of internal plant buildings (doors and windows), expanding the access control system, reconfiguration of front and rear entrances, creation of a Security Command Center and security enhancements at key remote sites. Currently Red Oak is embarking on bidding and construction administration tasks, including the development of procurement procedures that allow the client to publicly bid the project without compromising security; and overseeing the award of the bid, construction administration and programming of the new access control and CCTV system.
Benefits
In addition to helping the client obtain grant funding, the project yielded short-term improvements in policies, procedures and protocols to harden utility assets. This includes a balanced plan that integrates expertise of law enforcement with operations-based, cost-effective priorities. |
