The TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines are currently administered by the Surface Division Pipeline Security Branch with the TSA Office of Security Policy and Industry Engagement (OSPIE). The mission of the program is to enhance the security of our nation’s liquid and natural gas pipeline systems.

Pipeline owners are responsible for the security of their pipeline systems. They are required to conduct security vulnerability assessments, develop compliant security programs and include awareness training for their personnel.

TSA inspectors may conduct security inspections with company officials at their headquarter offices.

Stonehaven Partners offers service and support to pipeline operators with assessment, plan development and training. We can also accompany facility personnel during onsite TSA inspections.

The Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA), was designed to protect the nation’s ports and waterways from a any terrorist attack. The MTSA act requires vessels and port facilities to conduct security vulnerability assessments and develop security plans. These plans may involve vehicle, baggage checks, passengers, security patrols, restricted areas, TWIC procedures, identification process, access control policies and surveillance devices that have been implemented at the site. 

Stonehaven Partners has provided security assessments and plans as mandated in:

• MTSA 33 CFR Parts 104 (Vessels)
• MTSA 33 CFR Parts 105 (Waterfront Facilities)
• MTSA 33 CFR Parts 106 (Off Shore Platforms)

The US issued the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards in 2007.  This regulation requires “high-risk” chemical facilities who possess chemicals listed in Appendix A (a list of Chemicals of Interest–COI published by DHS), in threshold quantities, to complete a registration and questionnaire known as Top-Screen. DHS will review the Top-Screen and other information to determine if a facility “presents high levels of security risk” and is to be regulated.   Facilities will then be preliminary tiered in one of four ranks.

Regulated facilities must then complete and submit a Security Vulnerability Assessment (SVA) and a Site Security Plan (SSP) to DHS within the specified time. Site Security Plans (SSPs) must incorporate specific Risk Based Performance Standards for their specific tier at each facility. Stonehaven Partners can provide these documents to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. 

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 authorized the creation of a self-regulatory electric reliability organization (ERO) that covers North America, with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversight in the United States. The legislation makes compliance with North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) and regional reliability standards mandatory and enforceable. Currently, compliance with this regulation is voluntary in the United States. Stonehaven Partners helps client’s do NERC vulnerability assessments and complete required Security Plans.