LEPCs are a group of individuals that are nominated by the County Commissioners and approved by the SERC. LEPC members are volunteers and serve a two-year (2) term of office. They are reappointed during the odd numbered years. LEPCs must consist of representatives of all of the following groups and organizations:

• elected and local officials;
• law enforcement;
• civil defense;
• firefighting;
• first aid;
• health;
• local environmental and transportation agencies;
• hospitals;
• broadcast and print media;
• community groups; and
• representatives of facilities subject to the emergency planning and community right-to-know requirments.

The LEPC has the following mission:

• To develop a comprehensive emergency plan for our community and keep it up-to-date.
• To be effective, planning must be an ongoing activity.
• To receive information about accidental chemical releases.
• To collect, manage, and provide public access to information on hazardous chemicals in our area.
• To educate the public about the risks from accidental and routine releases of chemicals and work with facilities to minimize the risks.

LEPCs are the entity in the county responsible for receiving all information and industry reporter pertaining to extremely hazardous substances in the county. The LEPC writes the county’s Chemical Emergency Response and Preparedness Plan, and exercises that plan annually to ensure the county is prepared to respond to and handle a chemical release and protect its citizenry. The LEPC receives all notices and follow-up notices on hazardous substances releases.