www.reuters.com

 12 PERCENT OF BAGGAGE IN U.S. AIRPORTS STILL NOT SCREENED ADEQUATELY FOR EXPLOSIVES, STUDY SAYS

By KYLENE KIANG

WASHINGTON - Although explosive detection systems have been set up in the nation’s busiest airports, a study released Thursday found that not every piece of luggage is getting checked with the optimum technology the government recommends.

The report by the Government Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress, found that at mid-sized to large airports with explosive detection systems, 88 percent of checked baggage is being screened using an explosive detection system, or EDS.

In some cases where there are large crowds of people or a break down in equipment, there can be a ‘‘trade-off in security’’ to screen the rest of the luggage, said Cathleen Berrick, GAO director of homeland security and justice issues. In these situations, TSA officers employ bomb-sniffing dogs or physical bag searches, which can have a higher rate of error.

More than four years have passed since Congress established the Transportation Security Administration. The act set a several deadlines - the first in 2002, and the second in 2003 - for the goal of screening all checked baggage for explosives.

Last month, the TSA reported that under current financing plans, the installation of ‘‘optimal’’ baggage screening systems would not be completed until 2024 at a total cost of about $22.4 billion, with each detection machine costing between $300,000 and $1.2 million.

Republican Rep. John Mica of Florida, chairman of the House aviation subcommittee, called the explosive detection system in place ‘‘farcical’’ and ‘‘totally disastrous’’ in a hearing Thursday. He said the vast majority of U.S. airports are still in a state of disarray - mostly due to inefficiency by the TSA -- and are not using the detection systems they have effectively.

‘‘The TSA’s first step was to waste an estimated billion dollars to contract’’ for designs on how to efficiently use explosive detection systems in airports ‘‘that sit on shelves or will never be used,’’ said Mica, who added he intends to ask the Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general and the GAO to review the agency’s activity.

‘‘In the rush to meet congressionally-mandated deadlines, TSA unfortunately created a hodgepodge system of explosives traces detection and stand-alone (explosive detection) machines,’’ Mica said.

‘‘Stand-alone’’ machines require more time and labor during the screening process than the committee-recommended ‘‘in-line’’ systems, which move baggage on a conveyor belt, said Todd Hauptli, senior vice president of the Airport Legislative Alliance, a lobbying group for airports and airport executives.

He said in-line systems are costlier but could provide larger returns in the long run in terms of employing less people and getting passengers to their flights on time. In written testimony, Hauptli said in-line systems could save the federal government $1.3 billion dollars over seven years through a ‘‘dramatic reduction in personnel requirements.’’

Additionally, the EDS machines have been found to be more accurate compared to other TSA-approved methods, including manually swabbing baggage for chemical residue.

TSA administrator Randy Null said the agency has learned ‘‘valuable lessons’’ in explosives detection technology and how efficiency can be enhanced. He said the agency is searching for ways to better use technology and develop cost-effective solutions for such airport systems.

The GAO also found that inefficient baggage scanning is slowing down airport business, causing crowded airport lobbies, missed flights and increased on-the-job injury rates for baggage screeners.

Atlanta International Airport spokeswoman Felicia Browder said 100 percent of checked baggage goes through explosives detection machines set up in the lobby.

‘‘It can be a slow process,’’ said Browder, who added that the lobby does get crowded at peak hours. The airport is aiming to improve congestion by using upgraded machines in a separate room. The new machines, available within the next month and a half, will cost $125 million and are funded in part by the TSA and FAA.

One important addition to the system will be the use of conveyor belts, which are aimed at helping to lower injuries among baggage screeners.