What is an LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Committee)?

Local Emergency Planning Committee:  Coordinated planning group comprised of individuals who have knowledge and awareness to the planning and response to incidents involving hazardous materials.

The LEPC is a Hamilton County Board.  The members are nominated by the County Commissioners and approved by the SERC (State Emergency Response Commission).  LEPC members are volunteers and serve a two-year (2) term of office.  They are reappointed during the odd numbered years.  The membership of an LEPC must include, without limitation, personnel from each of these groups: elected state and local officials, law enforcement, emergency management, firefighting, first aid, health, local environmental, hospital, transportation, broadcast/print media, community groups, and facilities (see Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 3750).

LEPCs were established under a federal law, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).  To learn more about local emergency planning requirements under EPCRA, please visit US EPA EPCRA webpage.

LEPCs are not emergency responders.