SOCMA: Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association

October 2-3, 2007
Sheraton Baltimore City Centre
Baltimore, Maryland

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With the chemical site security rule still new, many SOCMA members need guidance on their implementation.  SOCMA created InteChem07 to deliver information on the new rule and also some important pointers on combining the rule with currently active EHS management systems. 

SOCMA kicked off InteChem07 with a live Mock Audit for facilities needing a detailed review of the requirements and documentation necessary for successful ChemStewards® verification.   The Mock Audit was a hit, because it made the entire verification process less confusing.  

From that point, one expert provided information after another. The Honorable Robert Stephan, Assistant Secretary at Department of Homeland Security (DHS), discussed the risk-based approach necessary to secure the nation’s infrastructure given the resources currently available. Assistant Secretary Stephan said it has been his experience that this risk-based strategy is the only way of ensuring our security. He appealed to attendees to incorporate whatever process necessary to ensure high risk facilities move off potential terrorist target lists while keeping the economy healthy.

Later in the day, the Assistant Secretary told InteChem07 audiences that the Appendix A chemical list could be published in as soon as a few days or the next few weeks. He highlighted specific changes made to the original Appendix A, citing the changes from discussions with relevant stakeholders and comments from the public. Importantly, he noted that all chemicals will have threshold minimums and that threshold levels increased for many chemicals.

Subsequent sessions included expert advice surrounding security vulnerability assessments, incorporating a discourse on the model SOCMA offers through ChemStewards®,  and offered an overview of the chemical facility anti-terrorism standards given by Dennis Deziel, the Deputy Director of the Chemical Security Compliance Division for DHS.  During the two days, various panels comprised of industry leaders explored chemical security developments for the near future and steps companies should take to address potential crisis situations. 

However, the InteChem Conference wasn’t all work and no play.  After the first day of experiential learning, attendees and staff alike celebrated the second anniversary of ChemStewards®.  The celebration was alive with ChemStewards® colors including green and blue M&Ms, green melon balls and a blue cocktail designed especially for the occasion.  SOCMA took this time to show appreciation to members who helped make ChemStewards® the industry-wide program it is today.

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