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1. Why is the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) needed?

Chemicals are used by public and private facilities throughout Forsyth County. These chemicals are used to provide essential services like clean water and to manufacture goods at area industries. Chemicals, such as gasoline, are transported daily along the area's highways. Although companies that handle or transport these chemicals in our state have excellent safety records, the need to plan for and be capable of responding to accidental releases of these chemicals is necessary.

Using & Storing Chemicals

Facilities that use or store a hazardous chemical above a threshold quantity must annually submit their chemical inventory information to off-site officials each year. This information is submitted to the fire department having jurisdiction over the facility, the respective county LEPC, and the State Emergency Response Commission..

Tierr II Reports

Forsyth County LEPC recommends local facilities to use E-Plan software to submit their Tier II reports.

In recent years, the LEPC's planning efforts have been refocused to include planning for a variety of disasters that may affect the community. Floods, hazardous material spills, wild fires, natural disasters, and even terrorism all constitute real challenges facing community leaders today. Planners are advocating the development of "All-Hazards" planning, which prepare towns for any disaster, not just those from chemical releases.

2. How was Forsyth County's Local Emergency Planning Committee formed?

Congress passed the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act in 1986 to increase public and private efforts to reduce risks associated with the use and storage of hazardous chemicals. The new law afforded the public access to information on chemicals present in their communities. The law required the formation of Local Emergency Planning Committees to develop plans for emergency response to accidents involving the release of hazardous materials.