Y2K: The Moment of Truth Ron Chepesiuk Abstract
It remains to be seen whether the world will move in time to fix the Y2K bug, or whether computers around the world will shut down when the clock strikes midnight on 31 December 1999. Y2K could have a serious impact on environmental facilities, particularly given the extent to which computer software and microchips are now involved in pollution control and environmental monitoring and protection systems. Environmental operations and facilities including treatment plants, refineries, and power generating units depend on computerized systems for environmental control, reporting, and monitoring, as well as so-called "fail-safe" modes intended to halt operations when serious problems occur. Embedded microcomputer chips are found in such vital operations as alarm, cooling, and heating systems of nuclear power plants, electric utility power lines and plants, and drinking water and wastewater treatment plants. Failures of these systems could have dramatic effects on public health. A 1999 World Bank survey showed that only 15% of the 139 developing nations surveyed are taking concrete measures to fix Y2K problems, while 24% are aware of the problem but are not taking action. In the United States, meanwhile, fully half of all county governments lack a plan to deal with Y2K preparedness, emergency response, and contingency planning.
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