LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE (LEPC)

Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) work to understand chemical hazards in the community, develop emergency plans in case of an accidental release, and look for ways to prevent chemical accidents.

Role of the LEPC

The role of the LEPC is to form partnerships with: local governments, communities, academia and industries as a resource for enhancing hazardous materials preparedness. Local governments are responsible for the integration of HAZMAT planning and response within their jurisdiction. This includes ensuring the local hazard analysis adequately addresses hazmat incidents; incorporating planning for hazmat incidents into the local emergency management plan and annexes; assessing capabilities and developing hazmat response capability using local resources, mutual aid and contractors; training responders; and exercising the plan.

What are Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs)?

LEPCs must develop an emergency response plan, review it at least annually, and provide information about chemicals in the community to citizens. Plans are developed by Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) with stakeholder participation. There is one LEPC for each of the more than 3,000 designated local emergency planning districts. The LEPC membership must include (at a minimum):

Elected state and local officials
Police, fire, civil defense, and public health professionals
Environment, transportation, and hospital officials
Facility representatives
Representatives from community groups and the media

What facilities are subject to the EPCRA emergency planning requirements?

Any facility with any Extremely Hazardous Substance (EHS) on-site greater than the relevant Threshold Planning Quantities (TPQs).
Any other facility designated as subject to the emergency planning requirements by the Governor of State or the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC), after a period of public comment.