LEPC Information

LEPC BOARD MEMBERS
LEPC MEETING DATES

Congress passed a law in November of 1986 designed to help America’s communities deal safely and efficiently with the many dangerous substances that are used throughout our society. The law is called Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-know Act (EPCRA).

The law was passed to give confidence and support emergency planning for responding to chemical accidents and to provide local governments and the public with information about possible chemical hazards in their communities. The law establishes an ongoing forum at the local level for discussion and a focus for action – the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).

The Superfund Amendment and Re-Authorization Act requires emergency response plans to be developed for responding to chemical emergencies that might happen. This responsibility was mandated to be handled on local levels through the establishment of LEPCs.

LEPC’s around the country have joined forces to:

1. Prepare reports on annual releases of toxic chemicals into the air, water, and water.
2. Set up procedures to alert and, if necessary, evacuate the public in case of emergency.
3. Write emergency plans to protect the public from chemical accidents.
4. Provide citizens and local governments with information about hazardous chemicals and accidental releases of chemicals in their communities.