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Community Right to Know
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:
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Corrosive
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Flammable
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Poisonous
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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. |