Comment from Middlesex Water Company

Subject: Support for the proposed Airspace Restriction Rule with Integrated Countermeasures Dear I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed rule restricting the airspace up to 400 feet above Water and Wastewater facilities, with boundaries confined strictly within the facility’s proprietary lines. This measure is a critical step in ensuring the security, safety and privacy of these areas considering the global unrest and growing concerns and risks associated with Unauthorized Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) operations. The prohibition of UAS operations within these designed airspace boundaries, except operators equipped with Remote Identification (Remote ID), is prudent and necessary approach. Most operators with Remote ID are identified, accountable and less prompt to unlawful or malicious drone activity. But I advocate for the inclusion of counter measures within this regulation. This will allow Utility to use counter-drone technologies, such as system designed to capture or disable trespassing drones, will provide Utility the right to respond swiftly and effectively to the violation of their protected airspace and processes. Complementing these measures with authorized use of electronic frequency scrambling devices to interfere with video transmission and remote-control signals of unauthorized UAS will further enhance the capability to mitigate potential threats and prevent any trespassing. Together, these provisions will empower Water and Wastewater Facility owners and operators to maintain control over their airspace, safeguard sensitive operations and protect the public and personnel from unintended disruptions or security breaches caused by unauthorized drone activity. I urge the relevant authorities to carefully consider and adopt them in the final rule. The communities served by our sectors deserve those protections and it’s our duty to safeguard the effluent water of our process. Thank you very much for your attention to this matter. And please do not hesitate to contact me if further discussion or clarification is required. Sincerely, Kouao-Eric Ekoue Sr. Superintendent of Water Quality Middlesex Water Company