The U.S. Homeland Security Department made significant strides in 2008 to protect the country from potential attacks involving chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons, the agency said yesterday in a year-end assessment of its activities (see GSN, Nov. 6).

The department's counterterrorism progress fits within its overarching goals of bolstering disaster preparedness and response abilities, streamlining its own organization, safeguarding vital infrastructure, and working to prevent dangerous goods and individuals from infiltrating the country, according to an agency statement.

The Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate pursued new technologies to scan U.S.-bound cargo for potential WMD ingredients, the release says.

The department also published a new strategy aimed at preventing small boats from carrying weapons of mass destruction into the country (see GSN, April 28; U.S. Homeland Security Department release I, Dec. 18). ....