All About LEPCs – Encamp

Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) play a vital role in ensuring the safety and preparedness of communities when it comes to handling hazardous materials. As part of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), LEPCs serve as the primary point of contact for emergency planning and response efforts in their jurisdictions. In this article, we will explore what an LEPC is, their role in EPCRA and Tier II reporting, other reports that need to be submitted to LEPCs, and how they utilize hazardous materials information to protect communities.

What is an LEPC?

An LEPC is a committee composed of representatives from various sectors within a community, including emergency responders, industry representatives, government officials, and community members. They are responsible for developing and maintaining a comprehensive emergency response plan for their jurisdiction. These plans outline the procedures to be followed in the event of a chemical emergency, taking into account the specific hazardous materials present within the community.

LEPCs and Tier II Reporting

One of the primary responsibilities of LEPCs is overseeing Tier II reporting under EPCRA. Facilities that store hazardous chemicals above specific thresholds are required to submit Tier II reports annually. These reports contain information on the types, quantities, and locations of hazardous chemicals stored at the facility. LEPCs are one of the parties that receive these Tier II reports, ensuring that they have the most up-to-date information on hazardous materials present in their community.

Other Reports and LEPCs

In addition to Tier II reports, LEPCs also receive other types of reports under EPCRA. These include Section 302 and Section 311 reports:

Section 302 Reporting: Facilities that have Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHSs) above the established Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ) must submit a one-time notification to their LEPC, the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC), and their local fire department. This information helps emergency planners and responders be aware of EHSs in the community and prepare for potential incidents.

Section 311 Reporting: Facilities with hazardous chemicals above specific thresholds must submit a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or a list of chemicals to their LEPC, SERC, and local fire department. This report is also a one-time submission, but updates are required when there are significant changes in the types or quantities of chemicals stored at the facility. Section 311 reporting ensures that emergency responders have access to crucial information on the hazardous chemicals they may encounter during an incident.

How LEPCs Utilize Hazardous Materials Information

LEPCs use the information gathered from Tier II, Section 302, and Section 311 reports to develop, maintain, and update their community's emergency response plan. They analyze the types and quantities of hazardous materials present within their jurisdiction and identify potential risks and vulnerabilities. Armed with this information, LEPCs can design and implement appropriate response strategies, including training and equipping emergency responders to handle incidents involving hazardous chemicals.

Moreover, LEPCs use this information to educate the public about the risks associated with hazardous materials in their community. They engage in public outreach activities to ensure that residents understand the hazards and know what to do in case of an emergency.

Conclusion

Local Emergency Planning Committees play a crucial role in keeping communities safe and prepared in the face of chemical emergencies. Through their involvement in EPCRA and Tier II reporting, as well as Section 302 and Section 311 reporting, LEPCs gather vital information on hazardous materials stored within their jurisdiction. They use this information to develop comprehensive emergency response plans, train emergency responders, and educate the public about potential hazards.