Kane County Office of Emergency Management

The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) was established as a result of the 1986 Title III of Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA). This legislation requires local planning by businesses and response agencies whenever hazardous materials are involved.

The purpose of the LEPC is to encourage and support emergency planning efforts at the state and local levels and to provide the public and local governments with information concerning potential chemical hazards present in their communities.

What is LEPC?
A committee required by the Illinois Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) that is made up of representatives from government, industry, elected officials, environmental groups and others.

The Kane County LEPC has incorporated the planning requirements of EPCRA into the County's Emergency Operations Plan developed by the Kane County Office of Emergency Management.

Business' using or generating certain quantities of materials on the EPA's Extremely Hazardous Substance list must report to the LEPC and their local fire departments.

Who does the emergency planning?
Any business which uses, manufactures, stores or transports hazardous materials is required to have procedures for safe handling of these materials as well as emergency response procedures.

Fire departments and other response agencies are also required to have procedures for hazardous materials spills.

Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials have one or more of the following characteristics:

Corrosive
Flammable
Poisonous
Toxic Fumes

Many solids, gasses and liquids used in the production of fuels, medicines, plastics, and other products and processes in our community are classified as hazardous. Hazardous materials are used. stored and transported daily throughout the country.

Under most circumstances, these materials are handled safely. However, when improperly handled, disposed of or released these substances can become hazardous to people and the environment necessitating coordinated planning fro emergencies.