Chemical Plants Possible Targets

'We just have to be vigilant in protecting them'

December 25, 2003

TRENTON, N.J. -- Intelligence officials say New Jersey's chemical plants have been singled out as potential terrorist targets.

The information does not mention specific production facilities or geographic locations, officials familiar with the intelligence reports told The Record of Bergen County.

New Jersey Attorney General Peter Harvey said state and local law enforcement agencies have been warned about the potential threat.

"There are some enhanced security measures with regards to law enforcement at chemical plants and other critical infrastructure, but I'm not going to say what they are," Harvey told The Record.
President Bush raised the nation's level of terrorism preparedness a week ago, calling an "orange" alert due to general reports of threats against nuclear power plants, electrical installations, large dams, bridges and other facilities.

Gov. James E. McGreevey ordered state police and the National Guard to help protect vital infrastructure. Local police agencies also have stepped up patrols; for example, using bomb-sniffing dogs at shopping malls.

New Jersey ranks as one of the leading states in chemical production, with DuPont and BASF among its top 100 employers.

The industry is vital to the nation's economic health, according to a report released by the White House in February. It is the nation's top exporter, accounting for 10 cents of every dollar.
Chemical plants produce fertilizer, plastics and a range of items used in households, business and the health-care industry.

The New Jersey attorney general said key law enforcement agencies and chemical industry personnel have been briefed on protecting the sites. Also, a set of security measures drafted by the state's Domestic Preparedness Security Task Force have been put in place.

"They're always going to be targets, and we just have to be vigilant in protecting them," Harvey said.

Another priority for law enforcement in New Jersey is Newark Liberty International Airport, which has increased already tight security. Al-Qaeda has hijacked plans for use in terrorist attacks in the past, including one that departed from Newark on Sept. 11, 2001.

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