L.E.P.C. Overview

Planning for Chemical Emergencies

In 1986, Congress passed the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986. Title 3 of this legislation requires that each community establish a Local Planning Committee (LEPC) to be responsible for developing an emergency plan to prepare for and respond to chemical emergencies in the community. This emergency plan must include the following:

• Identification of local facilities and transportation routes where hazardous materials are present
• Procedures for immediate response in case of an accident
• Procedures for a community wide evacuation plan
• A plan for notifying the community that an incident has occurred
• Names of response coordinators at local facilities
• A plan for conducting exercises to test the plan

Reviewing, Testing & Updating the Plan

The plan is reviewed by the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) and publicized throughout the community. The LEPC is required to review, test and update the plan each year. It is a multi-jurisdictional community committee composed of:

• Emergency planning specialists
• Higher education institutions
• Environmental organizations
• Business leaders
• Trade and professional associations in the chemical industry
• Representatives from the following:
  • Media
  • Utility companies
  • State and federal government agencies