SCOTT COUNTY EMA

The Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) has substantially increased the role of the public in an important environmental program.

In accordance with SARA, each county in Kentucky was directed to establish a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), composed of certain elements of both government and private industry, as well as the media and local environmental organizations. SARA's implementation creates significant opportunities for citizens and a major challenge to government and industry.

The mission of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is to protect the community from harmful and possibly life-threatening effects of a hazardous materials release by developing and implementing policies and procedures for complying with the Emergency Planning and Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). Title III of the Superfund and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA Title III).

This mission is accomplished by:

1. Identifying business facilities in Scott County, KY. that manufacture, process or store hazardous chemicals and to assist these facilities in preparing emergency response plans;

2. Informing and educating the public about chemical facilities in the community and actions that can be taken in the event of an accidental chemical spill or release into the environment, and;

3. Working to assist governmental and emergency response agencies in being well prepared to respond to and handle any and all emergencies associated with chemical spills or releases that may occur in Scott County.

What is the LEPC?

The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is an organization established to meet the requirements of the federal Emergency Planning arid Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), also known as the Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act (SARA Title III), for emergency response planning. EPCRA contains four major provisions:

Planning for chemical emergencies
Emergency notification of chemical accidents and releases
Reporting of hazardous chemical inventories (Tier Two Reports)
Toxic chemical release reporting

What Does the LEPC Do?

Under EPCRA, the LEPC is the focal point for chemical emergency response planning and implementation in the community. The LEPC's key responsibilities are:

Assisting local governments in developing hazardous materials emergency response plans
Evaluating the community's need for resources to respond to hazardous materials emergencies
Processing requests from the public for information on hazardous chemicals in the community hazard assessment and vulnerability studies as well as exercising

The LEPC provides a forum for emergency management agencies, emergency responders, industry and the public to work together to understand chemical hazards in the community, develop emergency plans in the event of an accidental release and identify ways to prevent chemical accidents.

The LEPC exists to promote and facilitate the safety of all persons regarding potential exposure to hazardous materials that could be released into the environment due to the storage, transportation, and utilization of hazardous materials in Scott County.

The Committee's mission has expanded to include all risks. The LEPC provides a forum to discuss, coordinate and provide information on a broad range of emergencies ranging from severe weather to terrorism.

What Are the Activities of the LEPC?

The LEPC assists with the preparation and implementation of the Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Plan

The LEPC assists with the preparation and implementation of the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP)
The LEPC receives annual Tier Two Reports (chemical inventories). The LEPC must make information from these reports available, to the public, upon request. The LEPC may also request additional hazardous chemical information from facilities for emergency planning purposes.
The LEPC promotes hazardous material exercises and drills to improve response preparedness.

The LEPC serves as the link between citizens, industry, and government in emergency planning and preparedness for the community.

Who Participates In The LEPC?

The Scott County LEPC is comprised of representatives from Scott County; the City of Georgetown; the City of Stamping Ground; the City of Sadieville, state agencies; local industry and organizations; health and medical agencies; the Scott County School District; Fire, EMS and Law Enforcement agencies; and concerned citizens.

What Does The LEPC Promote?

The Scott County LEPC promotes, emergency planning, preparedness, and public awareness, to protect the community from the potential impact of natural or technological hazards, including hazardous chemical and substances and related disasters.

When Does The LEPC Meet?

The Scott County LEPC meets the third Wednesday of the month, every Quarter at 1:00 p.m.