Learn

Questions

**What is the LEPC?**
On October 16, 1986 the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) was signed into law by the U.S. Congress . Title III of this act is also know as the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA). This Act requires every county in the nation to form and maintain an LEPC. It empowers citizens and emergency responders with the Right to Know what chemicals exist in communities where they live and work. It mandated planning for chemical emergencies and established a chain of command to assure that the requirements are met.

**What Does an LEPC Do?**
Under EPCRA, an LEPC is the focal point for chemical emergency response planning and implementation in a community. The LEPC's key responsibilities are: assisting local governments in developing hazardous materials emergency response plans. evaluating the community's need for resources to respond to hazardous materials emergencies. processing requests from the public for information on hazardous chemicals in their communities. The LEPC serves as a focal point in the community for information and discussions about hazardous substances, emergency planning, and health and environmental risks due to hazardous substances. Citizens can expect the LEPC to reply to questions about chemical hazards and risk management actions. An LEPC can most effectively carry out its responsibilities as a community forum by taking steps to educate the public about chemical risks, and working with facilities to minimize those risks. However, an LEPC's ability to improve the safety and health of its community is only as effective as the support it receives from an informed and active citizenry.

This page last updated on Wednesday, October 12, 2005 09:01:49