For years the industry has placed a high emphasis on the security of facilities. Guards have been employed and fences have been built. Plant design has increasingly focused on ways to reduce the risk of catastrophic events. Emergency preparedness has beome a standard element of any plant operation. Security of chemical product transportation has received attention and cooperative outreach efforts with neighboring communities and emergency responders were established. As a result, major accidents have been rare and are decreasing.

However, the events of September 11, 2001, have increased public concern over potential terrorist attacks. Our industry has responded aggressively and security efforts have been substantially increased while working with federal, state and local officials.