State chemical emergency preparedness programs have been evolving since the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act [EPCRA] of 1986 called on states to develop plans for responding to a chemical emergency and to educate the public about chemical risks.

To this end, the Local Emergency Planning Committees [LEPCs] were created in each state by the State Emergency Response Commissions [SERCs], which are appointed by the governor. Both the SERCs and LEPCs were organized by counties.

The initial task of the LEPCs was to develop, by October 17, 1988, an emergency plan that would allow them to prepare for and respond to chemical emergencies in their communities.

The LEPCs are also required annually to review, test and update the plan, which must include the identity and location of hazardous materials, procedures for immediate response to a chemical accident, ways to notify the public about actions they must take, names of coordinators at facilities, and schedules and plans for testing the plan.

After the plan is written and reviewed by the SERC, the LEPC is required to publicize the plan through public meetings or newspaper announcements and solicit public comments, as well as let the public know of any other LEPC activities of interest.

LEPCs are also responsible for reviewing emergency release and hazardous chemical inventory information submitted by local facilities and making this information available to the public upon request. It must also establish and publicize procedures for handling these requests.

The Baca County LEPC meets on the third Friday of each month from twelve noon to one o'clock in the Emergency Operations Center located North of Springfield along Hwy 287.

Calendar of LEPC Meetings

For more information contact:

Riley Frazee, LEPC Chairperson
Baca County Emergency Management
(719) 523-6796 [Voice]
(719) 523-6776 [Fax]

About LEPC

Links

Hazardous Materials Plan

Web Site Home Page 

Baca County LEPC

741 Main Street
Springfield, CO 81073