Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)

 SARA TITLE III (RIGHT-TO-KNOW) PROGRAM

 History and Background

The Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act, or EPCRA, was passed as Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) on October 17, 1986. This was almost two years after a chemical accident in Bhopal, India killed thousands, injured thousands more and received world-wide attention. Less catastrophic incidents in Institute, West Virginia and elsewhere reinforced that chemical disasters could happen in the United States.

Participants

EPCRA provides for comprehensive chemical emergency preparedness and response. This involves the coordinated efforts of industry, the local fire departments, Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC or Committee) and the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC or Commission). In many instances similar local or state organizations already existed. Some of these have evolved into current LEPCs or SERCs. Congress placed USEPA in an oversight role of the EPCRA Program under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act. USEPA has built upon the SERC and LEPC relationship in other areas including the

Chemical Emergency Preparedness Program (CEPP) aimed at helping industry and communities to meet their responsibilities related to potential chemical emergencies.

Legal Authority & Rules in Ohio

Emergency Planning was created as Chapter 3750 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) in December 1988. The federal regulations under EPCRA are listed in 40 CFR, Part 355. Ohio’s implementing regulations can be found as Chapter 3750 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC).

LEPC Responsibilities

EPCRA outlines four basic types of reporting responsibilities of SERC and LEPC, which are: (1) EHS (Extremely Hazardous Substance) notification and emergency reporting, (2) Emergency spill / release notification, (3) Chemical list and annual reporting, (4) Toxic chemical release reporting. A major focus of the LEPC is on developing and maintaining a hazardous materials response plan. The plan must be updated and exercised annually. The LEPC is also responsible for receiving and processing information regarding hazardous material releases, including the reporting responsibilities in accordance with the Community Right To Know Act.

Meetings

The Putnam County LEPC meets quarterly. Generally the meetings will occur in January, April, July and October. The meetings are open to the public.   For More Information Please feel free to call us any time if you would like more information regarding the Putnam County Local Emergency Planning Committee. (419) 538-7315.

Members

The Putnam County LEPC is comprised of vested community members whom include:
Robert Heidenescher, Mayor of Dupont- Chairperson

John Love, Putnam County Commissioner – Vice Chairperson and Elected Official

Vincent T. Schroeder, Putnam County Commissioner – Elected Official

Michael Lammers, Putnam County Commissioner – Elected Official

David Niese, Palmer Township Trustee – Elected Official

Sheriff Brian Siefker, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office – Law Enforcement

Brad Brubaker, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office – 911

Michael Klear, Putnam County Office of Public Safety – EMA and Emergency Coordinator

Nancy Erhart, Putnam County Office of Public Safety – First Aid

Stephanie Moore, Putnam County Office of Public Safety – Information Coordinator

Deb Kaufamn, Putnam County Office of Public Safety – Secretary

Tom Bacome, Blanchard Valley Farmers Cooperative- Industry

Karen Vorst, St. Rita’s Putnam County Ambulatory Care Center- Hospital

Ruth Gerding, Putnam County Health Department- Health and Environment

Rick Rupert, ProTec Coating Company – Community Group

Michelle Williams, Putnam County Chapter of American Red Cross – Community Group

Dan Rieman, Ottawa Fire Department – Fire and Transportation

Dr. Jan Osborn, Superintendent of County Schools – Schools

W.D. Miller, Lima Radio Hospital – Communications

Nancy Kline, Putnam County Sentinel – Media