LEPC Purpose

The Local Emergency Planning Committee (L.E.P.C.) of Chatham County was created in 1994 to address many of the public safety concerns of industry and the community regarding hazardous materials.

Purpose and Function

The L.E.P.C. shall exist to promote and facilitate the safety of all persons in Chatham County with respect to their potential exposure to hazardous materials which could be released into the environment. The functions and duties of the L.E.P.C. are those authorized by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, in accordance with, but not necessarily limited to the provisions of Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986. More specifically the L.E.P.C. shall engage in at least the following activities:

	Conduct regular meetings to address all pertinent issues.
	Develop and maintain an inventory of known hazardous materials in Chatham County
	Develop and update a hazard / risk analysis
	Develop and periodically update emergency response procedures for off-site emergency response personnel
	Identify private/public sector resources available to deal with hazardous materials emergencies
	Review, process and respond to requests from the public for pertinent information
	Review, maintain and process all appropriate reports and records, as required by law
	Develop and periodically update emergency warning procedures and evacuation plans
	Coordinate training programs on hazardous materials safety and emergency response procedures
	Coordinate emergency response exercises
	Provide expertise, and assistance to industries and businesses upon request
	Provide community "out-reach" services on hazardous materials safety
	Receive, maintain and disseminate emerging legislation relating to hazardous materials

It is not and never has been the intent that the LEPC be a local regulatory, enforcement, permitting, or policy making body or agency. Further, the LEPC shall not be placed in a position to interfere with the "one-stop permitting" process in the State of Georgia.


	LEPC Introduction The passage of the SARA Title III: Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 mandates that facilities which produce, utilize and/or store certain hazardous materials must report these chemicals to State environmental authorities. This Act has also intensified local governmental authorities' and the community's concern and interest about these facilities. It encourages these facilities to initiate community awareness about the chemicals they use and to work with local governments, emergency response organizations, and neighborhood groups in developing emergency plans in the event of a hazardous materials incidents at these facilities.