Local Emergency Planning Committee
The Orange County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), as required by EPCRA Section 301, is open to private and public representation. The LEPC serves as a link between local government, industry, and the community to enhance hazardous materials preparedness. The LEPC is created in accordance to the provisions of the Federal Title III, Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA Title II), commonly known as the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 (EPCRA).
The LEPC is a representative group of numerous public and private sectors including local elected officials, public safety, facility representatives, media and community groups.
The LEPC is responsible for:
- Establish procedures for reviewing and processing requests from the public for information under Section 324 of SARA
- Provide public notice and access to information and documents, subject to required limitations, in accordance with SARA Title III and established procedures of the LEPC;
- Establish procedures for receiving and handling Material Data Safety Sheets (MSDS), and Tier I and Tier II information submitted by facilities;
- Review emergency plans submitted by the subcommittees and make recommendations on revisions of the plans that may be necessary to ensure coordination of such a plan with emergency response plans of other emergency planning agencies;
- Exercise, on an as needed basis, the existing emergency plan and update plan as necessary;
- Oversee the development and maintenance of a Title II, SARA Emergency Response Plan. This Plan shall include provisions for: a. Identification of facilities and extremely hazardous substances transportation routes, b. Emergency response procedures, on-site and off-site, c. Designation of a community coordinator and facility coordinator(s) to implement this plan, d. Emergency notification procedures, e. Methods for determining the occurrence of a release and the probable affected area and population, f. Description of community and industry emergency equipment and facilities, and the identity of persons responsible for them, 2 g. Identification of private/public sector resources available to respond to hazardous materials emergencies, h. Evacuation planning and shelter-in-place planning, i. Training programs for emergency response personnel, j. Coordinate with Risk Management Plan (RMP) facilities.
- Other lawful tasks and duties as assigned by all appropriate authorities
The LEPC meets quarterly throughout the year, both in person and virtually.
Interested in becoming a member of the LEPC and attending meetings? Email hazmat@orangecountync.gov
The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), authorized by Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA Title III), contains regulations regarding the storage and release of hazardous materials, including the Tier II requirements. This act was created to ensure transparency with the community to ensure their ability to understand what hazards are in their area.
More information on EPCRA can be found by visiting https://www.epa.gov/epcra.
Any member of the community may submit public information requests to the Orange County LEPC. Requests will be processed within 45 days from the date of submission. Currently, there are no costs associated with processing an information request, and if necessary, additional resources may be available to make information accessible.
What is available by request?
- The County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS for any facility hazardous chemical, EPCRA Section 311)
- Tier II information relating to the preceding calendar year with respect to a facility. Any such request shall be in writing and shall be with respect to a specific facility
- In the case of a hazardous substance stored in an amount less than 10,000 pounds present at the facility at any time during the preceding calendar year, requestors must also include documentation indicating a general need for the information.
- Toxic chemical release form (EPCRA Section 313). TRI information is publicly available on EPA’s website https://www.epa.gov/toxics-release-inventory-tri-program/tri-data-and-tools
- Follow-up emergency notices (EPCRA Section 304).
The Orange County LEPC shall withhold the location of any specific Tier II chemical if, for example, the facility has completed a confidential location form or there is concern for chemical storage/site security.
For more information, or to submit a request, contact:
Ian Fowler, Deputy EM Coordinator
919-245-6160 / ifowler@orangecountync.gov