My contribution to your risk*

Study: Chemical risks abound in N.J.
(excerpt)
TRENTON - New Jersey has 110 facilities that could pose risks, in some cases a catastrophe, to the public in the event of a disaster, according to a report released yesterday.

An accident or attack at six of these - including three in South Jersey - would put one million people or more at risk, according to a list based on federal and state data compiled by the New Jersey Work Environment Council.

The Chemistry Council of New Jersey, which represents many of the facilities, called releasing the list a "travesty."

"Releasing this information... has put the workers and surrounding communities at risk of a terrorist attack," executive director Hal Bozarth said.

* According to Bozarth, I'm guilty of putting you all at risk too. How many times have I stressed the importance of giving residents a better sense of what chemicals are used in the places where they work, live or drive by? Three, so far:
I'm Awake Now!
Stop Reading This (after you've read this) and Do Something!

The report also notes success stories in New Jersey regarding chemical safety and security. For instance, many of the state’s 290 wastewater treatment facilities that reported using chlorine gas in 1988 have either eliminated or significantly reduced the usage of this potentially lethal substance. New Jersey was also the first state in the nation to issue an order encouraging workers and union representatives to accompany state inspectors on audits conducted under the Toxic Catastrophe Prevention Act to better identify hazards. However, New Jersey’s policy for chemical plant security still relies too heavily on voluntary efforts by the industry itself. New Jersey should adopt mandatory requirements.

By the way, the first time I mentioned any of this, I referred interested parties to a useful resource: www.safehometowns.org. As of this writing, the site has been terminated. Please keep up the pressure. Contact your state representatives!