The LEPC is a product of federal legislation that was passed after the Bhopal disaster in India, where thousands of people died because of an accident involving an accidental release of a hazardous chemical. To prevent similar occurrences in our own communities, Congress passed the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), also known as the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA Title III), in 1986.
The LEPCs are the link between citizens, industry, and government.
Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) work to understand the hazards in the community, develop emergency plans in case of an accidental release or natural disaster, and look for ways to prevent accidents. The role of LEPCs is to form a partnership between local governments and industries to enhance all-hazards preparedness. LEPCs are crucial to local hazardous materials planning and community right-to-know programs. The local government is responsible for hazmat planning and response within their jurisdiction. This includes:
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Ensuring the local hazard analysis adequately addresses hazmat incidents;
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Incorporating planning for hazmat incidents into the local emergency management plan and annexes;
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Assessing capabilities and developing hazmat response capability using local resources, mutual aid and contractors;
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Training responders; and
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Exercising the plan.
Increasing community
awareness is key!
Because LEPCs are most familiar with the hazards in their community, and because local citizens tend to be the first responders for emergencies, LEPCs are in the best position to assist local governments in developing plans to respond to hazardous material emergencies and natural disasters.
Documents
Minutes
Quarterly each year, the chair calls together a meeting of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). Below are Minutes of what was considered at each meeting.
2018
2019
2020
2021
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January 12th, 2021
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August 10th, 2021