Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)

The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is a federally mandated entity composed of

  • Elected state and local officials
  • Police, fire, civil defense, and public health professionals
  • Environment, transportation, and hospital officials
  • Facility representatives
  • Representatives from community groups and the media

In the wake of the Bhopal disaster in India in the 1980's Congress passed the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), also known as Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA), in 1986. EPCRA establishes requirements for businesses and for federal, state, and local governments regarding emergency planning and community right-to-know (CRTK) reporting for hazardous chemicals. The CRTK provision in EPCRA helped increase awareness about the presence of chemicals in their communities and releases of these chemicals into the environment. Many State legislatures also enacted CRTK laws that are consistent with federal law. As a result, States and communities, working with industry, are better able to protect public health and the environment.

The role of the LEPC is to form a partnership with the local government and industries as a resource for enhancing hazardous materials preparedness. LEPCs must develop an emergency response plan, review it at least annually, and provide information about chemicals in the community to citizens.

The membership comes from the local area and should be familiar with factors that affect safety, the environment, and the economy of the community. That expertise is essential as the LEPC advises the writers of the local emergency management plan, so that the plan is tailored to the needs of the County.

In addition to its formal duties, the LEPC serves as a focal point in the community for information and discussion about all hazard emergency planning. The LEPC also focuses on educating citizens and businesses in emergency preparedness.

If you are interested in filling one of the roles on the Dinwiddie LEPC please complete the Volunteer Interest Form. For more information you can contact the Division of Fire & EMS at (804) 469-5388 or by email.