WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMISSION
The LEPC is a not-for-profit, multi-functional organization that provides services to the public regarding hazardous materials.
The LEPC provides your community with education and training on safe techniques for preventing and responding to hazarouds material incidents with Porter County.
The LEPC has and supports a library of information on the hazardous materials that are stored at facilities in Porter County.
The LEPC is available to provide technical information and expertise prior to hazardous materials incidents for emergency responders.
The LEPC serves as a communication tool to warn and guide both the public and the response agencies in the event of a hazardous material emergency.
WHO MAKES UP THE LEPC?
The LEPC has members from local and state governments, civil defense, county health department, police agencies, fire departments, EMS, hospitals, environmental agencies, community groups, industry, local citizens, and the media.
WHAT IS THE LEPC's HISTORY:
In the early 1980's a growing concern for the protection of Porter County citizens from injury and property damage due to possible releases of hazardous materials created the need for the Hazardous Materials Advisory Council.
The unofficial council was composed of dedicated individuals from the police, fire, civil defense, EMS and private industry. The council grew in membership and scope from 1983 to 1987. In 1987 County Ordinance 87-3 formally established the Porter County Hazardous Materials Council.
In 1986 the Congress of the United States passed the "Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act" (EPCRA). This act required that a Local Emergency Planning Committee be established for every planning district in the United States. Indiana's governor ordered that each of the state's 92 counties form a planning district and to establish an LEPC under the guidance of the Indiana Emergency Response Commission (IERC).
The Porter County Hazardous Materials Council integrated into the Porter County LEPC.
WHAT HAS THE LEPC ACCOMPLISHED?
The Porter County LEPC developed a county-wide Emergency Response Plan in 1987. The plan is reviewed every year and updated as needed.
The Porter County Emergency Response Plan is tested annually through drills and exercises which simulate hazardous materials incidents. This testing is conducted through the LEPC.
As part of the Emergency Response Plan, the LEPC has identified 111 shelters in Porter County to house over 37,000 people during an evacuation. Transportation includes 160 buses, 40 vans, and 12 specialized vehicles for the handicapped.
The Porter County LEPC has received awards from the Indiana Emergency Response Commission for the quality of its planning, community education and hazard analysis.
WHAT IS AVAILABLE TO THE COMMUNITY?
The LEPC is increasing community awareness to the health and property risk of accidental hazardous materials interactions. The LEPC is making information available to reduce those risks. By providing literature and speaking to interested community groups, the LEPC is educating Porter County on the important roles citizens can play to minimize the risk to themselves and their loved ones.
REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION:
Information reported to the LEPC is available to the public under both the Freedom of Information Act and the Community Right to Know Act.
Any person may request to review this information during normal business hours.
Copies can be made for a small service charge.
MEETINGS:
Meetings of the Porter County LEPC are conducted under the Open Door Meeting Laws of the State of INdiana. Business meetings are held on the third Thurday of each month (except December) at 7:00 p.m. - Locations vary.
For more information on the Porter County LEPC, please contact the Porter County Environmental Office at (219) 465-3593.
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