Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)

The LEPC was created under the Emergency Planning and Community Right To Know Act of 1986, or SARA Title III.

In Bhopal, India in 1984, more than 2,000 people were killed as a result of a large chemical accident at a nearby pesticide manufacturing facility. This incident became a national focus in America, and many people found themselves wondering what chemical dangers existed here. At that time, there was little knowledge of the chemicals used, produced, and stored within our communities. Thus, the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act, or EPCRA, was passing by Congress in 1986 as Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA). The Ohio General Assembly then adopted legislation establishing a State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) to administer and enforce the EPCRA program. SERC then established the county emergency planning districts. For each district, SERC appoints, provides guidance, and coordinates the Local Emergency Planning Committee through an active grant program.

SERC requires anyone who stores, uses, generates, or releases hazardous chemicals to identify the chemical and report their location and volume to local and state authorities when they exceed specific quantities. Communities must involve government, industry, health, and safety representatives who use this information to prepare plans for dealing with emergencies. In Ohio, these boards are called Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC's)

LEPC Responsibilities

EPCRA outlines four basic types of reporting responsibilities of SERC and LEPC, which are: (1) EHS (Extremely Hazardous Substance) notification and emergency reporting, (2) Emergency spill / release notification, (3) Chemical list and annual reporting, (4) Toxic chemical release reporting. A major focus of the LEPC is on developing and maintaining a hazardous materials response plan. The plan must be updated and exercised annually. The LEPC is also responsible for receiving and processing information regarding hazardous material releases, including the reporting responsibilities in accordance with the Community Right To Know Act.

Meetings

The Defiance County LEPC meets quarterly. Generally speaking, the meetings will occur in January, April, July and October. These meetings are held at Noon in Brunersburg and are open to the public.

Here are the dates for 2022, 2023 and 2024.

For More Information Please feel free to call us any time if you would like more information regarding the Defiance County Local Emergency Planning Committee. (419) 782-1130.

We have brochures available with helpful information and safety tips regarding hazardous chemicals. If you would like one, please email us at: jrittenhouse@defiancecounty.oh.gov