What is the LEPC?

Under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), counties in Texas must have a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).

The EPCRA requires that every community have a LEPC. In 1986, Congress passed EPCRA following the Union Carbide chemical disaster in Bhopal, India, and the near-miss of a similar disaster in Institute, West Virginia.

The two primary purposes of EPCRA were to:

• Encourage and support emergency planning for responding to chemical accidents (emergency planning — the “EP” in EPCRA), and
• Provide local governments and the public with information about possible chemical hazards present in their communities (community right to know — the “CRA” in EPCRA).

Major legal responsibilities for the LEPC are from Public Law 99-499. LEPC membership is broad and includes representatives from: elected state and local officials, emergency management, law enforcement, fire service, local health, emergency medical service, local health, emergency medical service, local media personnel, community groups and industry.  This means local people are making local decisions about how to plan for, train for, and respond to chemical emergencies in your community.

• The LEPC is designed to assist local government in developing hazardous materials plans.
• The LEPC is the link between local citizens, industry, and government.
• The LEPC is the point of contact for the public to obtain information on locations, types, and hazards associated with chemicals in their community.

Most people will agree that efforts to protect the public are best handled locally by the people and for the people whom the law was meant to protect.

What is the role of the LEPC?

Emergency Planning

The LEPC is designed to form an alliance between local government and industry as a resource to raise hazardous material planning and preparedness levels.   Planning also provides information and facilitates training for the first responders who are called upon to protect the public in the event of a chemical accident. Your LEPC can provide you with information on evacuation routes, shelter-in-place procedures and other information you may need to assist your family plan for a chemical emergency.

Community Right-to-Know

Increases awareness of chemical hazards in your community and allows you and your local government access to information about chemical hazards.  If you are concerned about the types, amounts or locations of chemical stored in your community, contact your LEPC.

Where are Hazardous Chemicals Found?

Hazardous chemicals are commonly stored at businesses or industrial sites in above or below-ground tanks, or in drums, cylinders, cans, bags, bottles, or other containers.  Hazardous materials may be transported by truck, rail, air, or pipeline.  Many common, everyday chemicals can produce serious consequences when handled improperly.   The key to safety is properly planning in the event a hazardous material incident occurs.  

Contacting the LEPC

Phone: 903-657-8571 ext. 2101
E-mail: LEPC@ruskcountytxfire.gov