Methodological Approach to Determining Vulnerabilities

Vulnerabilities associated with the chemical infrastructure arise from the properties of chemicals, the properties of the chemical supply chain, and the environment within which the infrastructure and supply chain exist. The consequences from a dehberate exploitation of one or more of these vulnerabilities can be further magnified or dampened by public or societal response to the event. The description of the chemical categories, the generalized model of the chemical supply chain, and a consideration of environmental and social factors lead to a series of questions that can be used to identify those vulnerabilities that are of potentially catastrophic consequences. 

In the case of either casualties or economic loss, catastrophic levels of consequences are expected only where large quantities of chemicals with these properties are involved. However, social response may amplify the effects of an incident involving even small quantity of chemicals to the point where its economic effects, not its casualties, become catastrophic or at least of national concern. 

The model of the chemical supply chain presented in Chapter 2— which considers materials, infrastructure, pathways, links and nodes, and ownership and control of the network—leads to characteristics that, if present in any given case, could pose vulnerabilities. These characteristics include the following  

The consequences of an event at a chemical plant or storage facility can be greater or lesser depending upon the local environment in which the facility exists. If a facility is located within a major population center, the number of potential casualties increases. If the facility is near a major trans- 

Dominant Node or Path Between Nodes/T ransportation X X X 

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