In response to emergency incidents involving Hazardous incidents the U.S. Congress passed the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) in 1986. Title III of SARA is a free standing statute known as Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA). This created the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) and a network of Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC's). Delaware has four LEPC's: one for each county and the City of Wilmington. The SERC approves their membership, provides funding, guidance supervision and oversight. The funding is provided by a fee on Hazardous Materials used by companies in the state.

The SERC is appointed by the Governor. LEPC's report to the SERC at their regular meetings. In New Castle County an existing organization, the New Castle County Hazardous Materials Advisory Council was asked to become the LEPC. The LEPC's are required to have broad representation from many groups including: State and local officials, Media, Law Enforcement, Fire Service, EMS and Health Care, Environmental, Community groups and Citizens and Industrial Facilities that use Hazardous Materials. A major strength of the NCC LEPC is the strong industry participation in the LEPC and the county Haz Mat Team (NCCIHMRA).

Upcoming meetings:

Interested citizens are encouraged to attend the semi monthly LEPC meetings. The LEPC has a program of rotating the meeting sites around Chemical and Emergency Response facilities in the county. This program provides members and guests with information and background concerning the facilities. Please contact the LEPC Administrative Assistant 302-395-3633 for the location of meetings. Meeting minutes for the current calendar year can be obtained by clicking the date of interest above.

MAJOR GOALS OF THE LEPC:

1. Conduct an Emergency Response Assessment for county chemical facilities which use Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHS)
2. Plot, maintain and update the facility risk zones and special populations in CAMEO/ Tier II Manager database
3. Review and update the Hazrdous Substance Response Plan on an annual basis
4. Sponsor, arrange and participate in the training programs for the New Castle County Hazardous Materials Response Alliance (NCCIHMRA) which is the volunteer Haz Mat team for the county

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANS
EPCRA law requires that each LEPC prepare an emergency response plan for its district that includes information such as potential chemical hazards and procedures to be followed in the event of a chemical emergency. Contact the New Castle County LEPC to review it's emergency response plan.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Local Emergency Planning Committee
For New Castle County
P.O. Box 2998
Wilmington, DE 19805-0998
Phone - (302) 395-3633
Fax - (302) 323-4573

Chairperson - Dave Irwin

Also visit the Calendar of Events page and the What's New page for more information about activities of the New Castle County LEPC.