Local Emergency Planning Committee

The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is a product of federal legislation passed in the wake of the Bhopal disaster in India, where thousands of people died because of an accident involving hazardous
chemicals. To prevent similar occurrences in our communities, Congress passed the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), also known as Title III of the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act (SARA), in 1986. EPCRA establishes requirements for businesses and federal, state, and local governments regarding emergency planning and community right-to-know (CRTK) reporting for hazardous chemicals.

The LEPC's role is to form a partnership with local governments and industries to enhance hazardous materials preparedness. Local governments are responsible for integrating 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, assessing capabilities and developing hazmat response capability using local resources, mutual aid, and
contractors, training responders, and exercising the plan.

Part of the planning process is to ensure facility plans are compatible with local emergency plans. Every regulated facility is responsible for identifying a facility emergency coordinator; reporting hazardous inventory annually to the LEPC, SERC, and local fire departments; providing material safety data sheets
(MSDS); allowing local fire departments to conduct an on-site inspection of hazmat facilities; and providing an annual report of toxic chemicals released to EPA and the State.