In 1986, Congress passed the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) which established a national baseline with regard to planning, response, management and training for hazardous materials emergencies. SARA mandated the establishment of both state and local planning groups to develop and review hazardous materials response plans. The state planning groups are referred to as the State Emergency Response Commissions (SERC) and are responsible for developing and maintaining the state's emergency response plan. The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is responsible for developing an emergency plan to prepare for and respond to chemical emergencies within the community. It is the main function of the LEPC to look after community interests in regard to hazardous incidents that may occur there. The LEPC is the coordinating point for both planning and training activities at the local level. The LEPC also receives emergency release and chemical inventory information submitted by local industrial facilities and makes this information available to the community it serves. In addition to its formal responsibilities, the LEPC often serves as a focal point for information and discussions about hazardous substances. The LEPC's ability to improve and maintain the safety and health of its community is greatly enhanced by the support of an informed citizenry.

LEPC members are community agency and business leaders who represent all areas that may be involved in reponse to an emerency incident. These areas are classified as Emergency Support Functions (ESFs); the LEPC membership list below is organized in this manner. 

The Douglas County Emergency Management Agency is the local Community Right-to-Know resource for hazardous material information. Anyone desiring information concerning LEPC meetings, SARA Title lll hazardous materials planning which is included in the Douglas County Emergency Operations Plan, materials safety data sheets (MSDS), and hazardous chemical inventory forms listing extremely hazardous substances manufactured, stored, or used within Douglas County can be obtained during normal business hours by contacting Douglas County Emergency Management at 785-832-5259.

All LEPC meetings are on the first Wednesday of the month, at 8:30 a.m. The Executive Committee meets in the EOC at the Law Enforcement Center. The location of the quarterly Board meeting varies. Agenda packets are emailed one week prior to the scheduled meeting and contain information regarding location. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all meetings are being held virtually.  View meeting information here.