Security Training Workshops to be Held for Public Water Utilities

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will sponsor twelve vulnerability assessment workshops for public water utilities around the state during January and February 2002.

"The protection of our public water supplies is a vital component in our homeland security efforts and I urge public water supply operators to attend these workshops," said Governor Ryan.

"While Illinois EPA staff, particularly regional field office inspectors, have been working closely with local officials responsible for safety of our water supplies, these workshops will provide more in-depth information on assessing and protecting those facilities," said Illinois EPA Director Renee Cipriano.

The Environmental Resources Training Center (ERTC) of Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville will coordinate and conduct the workshops intended for public water utility operators and city officials responsible for the security and safety of their water utilities.

"These Seminars are a part of continuing efforts to provide important training for public safety workers," added Illinois Homeland Security Director, Matt Bettenhausen.

Topics to be closely examined during each of the workshops include vulnerability assessment, emergency response, threat classification and security methods. Security training materials for water utilities will be provided to the attendees that will assist them in performing vulnerability assessments for the facilities for which they are responsible.

Pre-registration is required and seating is limited. The cost for each workshop is $25. Registration information is available from the ERTC at 618-650-2030.

The workshop dates and locations are:

Jan. 10: East Peoria (noon to 4 p.m.)

Jan. 11: Springfield (8 a.m. to noon)

Jan. 15: Rockford (noon to 4 p.m.)

Jan. 16: Moline (noon to 4 p.m.)

Jan. 17: LaSalle (8 a.m. to noon)

Jan. 31: Champaign (noon to 4 p.m.)

Feb. 1: Effingham (noon to 4 p.m.)

Feb. 7: Carbondale (noon to 4 p.m.)

Feb. 8: Edwardsville (8 a.m. to noon)

Feb. 26: Crystal Lake (noon to 4 p.m.)

Feb. 27: Aurora (noon to 4 p.m.)

Feb. 28: Joliet (8 a.m. to noon)