Report: Dams need better security

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- U.S. dams need better security from terrorist attacks, a report released by the National Research Council says.

The report, which is available online at www.nap.edu, was released Tuesday as an assessment of 479 dams and dikes managed by the Bureau of Reclamation. It praised the agency for providing significant resources and improvements in security since terrorist attacks of 2001, but noted room for improvement in protecting the structures which provide water and power to millions nationwide.

Specifically the report, commissioned by the Bureau of Reclamation, called for "better communication among security staff, regional and area office staff, and local law enforcement personnel; security plans that are designed to meet realistic, site-specific threats; and more consistent support within the organization."

Noting that local agencies may be first-responders, the report said the chain of command during a security-related incident is unclear. It also warned that internal security defenses appear "brittle" and "lacking in depth" and could be overridden, potentially letting an intruder take control of dam operations.

In conclusion, the report said "to create an effective and sustainable security program at BOR, increased staff, expertise, and funding are needed."