lepc

Preparing for Chemical Emergencies

What is the LEPC?

	The Loudoun County/Town of Leesburg Local
Emergency Planning Committee was formed in 1988 to make
a comprehensive study of the potential within the county
for emergencies involving hazardous chemicals.
     The committee is comprised of representatives from
the County of Loudoun, Town of Leesburg, Commonwealth of
Virginia, news media, and local businesses and
facilities which are involved with toxic chemicals.  The
committee collects site-specific information on
hazardous substances present in the county, and works
with businesses and citizens to reduce the risks and
minimize the effects on life, health and property in the
event of a hazardous materials incident.
	The LEPC is not a response agency like local fire and
rescue companies.  Instead, the LEPC works with these
first responders to coordinate their actions and ensure
quick and efficient response to a chemical emergency.

Why Was the LEPC Created?

	The committee was created to comply with the
federal and state 1986 Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act (SARA).  Title III of SARA, who
known as the "Emergency Planning Community Right-to-Know
Act of 1986," established new authorities for chemical
emergency planning and preparedness, and industry
reporting of hazardous chemicals and chemical releases.

   The Loudoun/Leesburg LEPC meet the Act's requirements
by: 

*	Improving public safety by identifying potential
 chemical hazards and developing a Chemical Emergency
 Response Plan;

*	Providing the community with information on chemicals
 used, stored, transported and released into the
 environment.

Think Globally

Act Locally

"The Chemical Emergency Response Plan outlines what roles the county's many response agencies would play in an emergency. The plan also provides a procedure for distributing information to the public about potential chemical hazards."

James V. Cunningham

Loudoun/Leesburg LEPC

How Does the Emergency Plan Work?

    The Chemical Emergency Response Plan  is a
3-inch-thick document containing data, maps and site
plans detailing the locations of potentially hazardous
chemicals and what safety measures and equipment are on
hand.  The information is instantly available to fire
and rescue companies and other responses agencies who
use the data to assess emergency situations.
   The LEPC annually conducts hazardous materials drills
at various locations in Loudoun County. These drills
provide an opportunity for all agencies involved
in responding to chemical emergencies to test the plan
and refine it as necessary.  Following each drill,
written critiques are prepared to allow responders to
assess the exercise.
  The Loudoun/Leesburg Chemical Emergency Response Plan
is a dynamic document that reflects continuous input
from all segments of the community.  It complies with
all federal and state requirements and has been endorsed
by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors and Leesburg
Town Council.

How Can I Obtain Information

The LEPC's "Right to Know" information on toxic chemicals is available to the public on request. Information may be obtained by contacting the Department fo Fire and Rescue Services at (703) 777-0333, or by writing to the LEPC at 16600 Courage Court, Leesburg, Va. 22075.

How Can I Become Involved in the LEPC?

Public participation in the LEPC is welcome and encouraged. The committee meets four times a year at selected locations in Loudoun County. For information, Please contact Loudoun County Department of Fire & Rescue Services at (703) 777-0333.

LEPC Membership

Members of the LEPC represent a broad spectrum of agencies, including:

Loudoun County Board of Supervisors

Leesburg Town Council

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