The LEPC consists of
volunteers who are approved by the State Emergency Response
Commission (SERC). Their primary purpose is to develop emergency
plans for chemical emergencies and some LEPC's have expanded to
all-hazards. Each year the LEPC reviews TIER II reports from area
facilities that store certain types and levels of hazardous
chemicals as identified by the EPA. A function of the LEPC is to
make this information available to the public under the SARA Title
II Emergency Planning, Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). This is
usually done at county level meetings held in March/April in
conjunction with severe weather awareness.
Who are these LEPC
volunteer members? An effective committee must have dedicated
members who are familiar with the community. Each LEPC must have at
least one representative of:
Elected or Local
Officials
Law Enforcement
Firefighting
Emergency
Management
Medical, such as
hospitals or EMS
Media
TIER II facility
operators
Community service
organizations
The LEPC actually is
acting in the capacity of a state agency. Local government has no
direct authority over the LEPC but still must sanction both the
acceptance of the plan and approve the commitment of their
employees’ time and resources. Region 5/6 provides administrative
support to the LEPC, but other than that, is only one of the
participants in the process. The success of the LEPC is based upon
the efforts of all the members.
The LEPC serves as a
focal point for information and discussions about local hazardous
substances and environmental risks. Citizens will expect the LEPC to
reply to questions about risk management actions. The LEPC has the
authority to request information from facilities for community
planning purposes and can take civil actions against facilities that
fail to provide the information required under EPCRA.
Those interested in
growing the Region 5/6 LEPC to its fullest potential should contact
Bill at 727-2785.
The LEPC consists of
volunteers who are approved by the State Emergency Response
Commission (SERC). Their primary purpose is to develop emergency
plans for chemical emergencies and some LEPC's have expanded to
all-hazards. Each year the LEPC reviews TIER II reports from area
facilities that store certain types and levels of hazardous
chemicals as identified by the EPA. A function of the LEPC is to
make this information available to the public under the SARA Title
II Emergency Planning, Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). This is
usually done at county level meetings held in March/April in
conjunction with severe weather awareness.
