Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)

Mission Statement:  

“To enhance emergency response and preparedness plans for all-hazard incidents for Hamilton County through planning and communication between the citizens, businesses, and government.”

What is the LEPC?

The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is a product of federal legislation passed in the wake of the Bhopal disaster in India, where thousands of people died because of an accident involving hazardous chemicals. To prevent similar occurrences in our communities, 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 role of the LEPC is to form a partnership with local governments and industries as a resource for enhancing hazardous materials preparedness. Local governments are responsible for the integration of hazmat planning and response within their jurisdiction. This includes ensuring the local hazard analysis adequately addresses hazmat incidents; incorporating planning for hazmat incidents into the local emergency management plan, assessing capabilities and developing hazmat response capability using local resources, mutual aid, and contractors; training responders; and exercising the plan.

Part of the planning process is to ensure facility plans are compatible with local emergency plans. Every regulated facility is responsible for identifying a facility emergency coordinator; reporting hazmat inventories annually to the LEPC, SERC, and local fire departments; providing material safety data sheets (MSDS); allowing local fire departments to conduct an on-site inspection of hazmat facilities; and providing an annual report of toxic chemicals released to EPA and the State. 

LEPC Membership

The LEPC meets four times annually at the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office complex, located at 18100 Cumberland Road in Noblesville, IN. 

If you would like to participate please fill out and submit the online LEPC Membership Application. 

The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) of Hamilton County is composed of the following:

  • Elected State and Local Officials
  • Broadcast and print media
  • Community groups
  • Emergency management
  • Emergency medical services
  • Firefighting
  • Health department
  • Hospital management
  • Law enforcement
  • Local environmental management
  • Owners and operators of facilities storing and using Title III chemicals
  • Transportation

If you have questions regarding the Hamilton County LEPC or SARA Title III reporting, please send an email to: Hamilton County LEPC