From the Wilmington Morning Star/ Tuesdya, March 16, 1999
Associated Press
WASHINGTON
[snip]
Large chemical companies are well prepared for the Year 2000 computer problem, but smaller companies, many near residential areas, may be less able to cope with potentially dangerous shutdowns, says a report presented to Congress on Monday.
Some 85 million Americans live within a five-mile radius of 66,000 facilities handling high hazard chemicals, the report's author, Dr. gerald Poje of the U>S> Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, told a news conference in the Capitol'sSenate side.
While large plants are unlikely to experience major failures - unless there are serious utility breakdowns - there is little information about how smaller companies are preparing for computer problems, and readiness efforts appear to be "less than appropriate." Dr. Poje said.