Explosives, Too, Need Tending

Like chemical plants (Dec. 3 post), explosive depots may be obvious, yet overlooked, locations for security upgrades. Martin Chavez, mayor of Albuquerque, New Mexico, hopes Congress will enact legislation that would require increased security for stored explosives. Specifically, Chavez believes that security requirements at storage depots for explosives should include security fences, an increase in the number of onsite inspections, and the use of electronic security technology.

The mayor wrote to Congress after 400 pounds of explosives were stolen last month from a storage depot outside Albuquerque that had no guards or surveillance cameras. Three suspects arrested by federal agents had no apparent terrorist links. But the ease with which they made the heist has Mayor Chavez concerned. We all should be wondering what other types of potentially dangerous sites may have been overlooked for prudent security measures, including the use of vehicle barriers.