Engineering Inc. - May/June 2007 - 15

HIGH-TECH TACTICAL TOOLS S DAvID MCNew/Getty IMAGeS What makes this security transformation particularly remarkable is that it has yet to compromise the ability of seaports to serve as efficient, free-flowing intermodal gateways for global commerce, handling more than 1.2 billion metric tons of cargo each year. “Historically, ports have been designed as open spaces where vessels and vehicles can get in and out quickly,” noted Scott Brotemarkle, director of Program Development and Technology at the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). “In many ways, security is a very new area for them,” he added. Technology has created a wealth of new screening and surveillance tools (see sidebar), and funding to employ them is included in federal measures such as the recently enacted Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006 (the SAFE Port Act), which includes $400 million in annual funding for the Port Security Grant Program over the next five years. The SAFE Port Act also requires the implementation of radiation screening systems at the 22 busiest U.S. ports by December 2007, and funds a pilot program to inspect U.S.-bound cargo at three foreign ports. Setting Strategies But while the commitment, tools and resources may readily be available, securing port facilities and processes remains a highly challenging proposition. Most port terminals occupy expansive footprints and host a mix of tenants, activities and assets, eaports are working with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service (CBP) to apply a wide range of information, inspection and surveillance technologies to safeguard facilities and infrastructure. Among these technologies are: Automated Targeting System enables CBP to collect and analyze cargo shipping data to identify cargo, prior to its arrival at port, that could pose a potential risk. Radiation Portal Monitors provide passive, nonintrusive screening of trucks, cargo containers, railcars, passenger vehicles and other conveyances for radiation emanating from nuclear devices, dirty bombs, special nuclear materials, natural sources and isotopes commonly used in medicine and industry. Gamma-ray/X-ray Imaging Systems produce transmission and reflected images of the contents of a cargo container, railcar, vehicle or trailer-truck. Other detection systems emphasize portability. Personal Radiation Detectors are small but highly sensitive devices that alert CBP officers if radiation is detected during an inspection or enforcement operation. Hand-held Radiation Isotope Identifiers can detect gamma and neutron emissions from radioactive sources, including nuclear, medical and industrial isotopes. Portable Contraband Detectors can locate density anomalies concealed inside tires, dashboards, fenders, cargo container doors and walls. Integrated Surveillance Intelligence System consists of remote video surveillance camera systems, sensors and the Integrated Computer Assisted Detection database to detect unauthorized entry around port perimeters. Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security MAY / JUNE 2007 ENGINEERING INC. 15

Engineering Inc. - May/June 2007

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Engineering Inc. - May/June 2007