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Local Emergency Planning Committee

LEPCs were established following the passage of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act in November of 1986. They are appointed by State Emergency Response Commissions (SERCs).

Mission Statement:

The Larimer County Local Emergency Planning Committee's ("LEPC") mission shall be to enhance and create plans directing the response to hazardous materials incidents, increase compliance with hazardous materials reporting requirements and to continue to offer access to information on the storage of such materials, for the benefit of the county's residents, businesses and industries. The Committee shall carry out its mission in Larimer County in compliance with SARA Title III and other federal, state and local requirements in such a way that meets both the letter and spirit of those requirements and that enhances and encourages a partnership between county residents, businesses and industry through an exchange of information and mutual planning.

The LEPC is a repository for the emergency action plans that businesses and governmental agencies in Larimer County complete. These plans must be completed by any entity that has a level of hazardous materials present above "threshold planning quantities." The LEPC also makes these plans available for public access. It has a membership roster composed of people throughout the county. The members represent: fire districts, the Sheriff's Department, industry, academia, school districts and medical providers. Currently, the LEPC is divided into four subcommittees who are all working towards achieving the mission statement. The four subcommittees are:

  • Transportation- This committee conducting a detailed study on how hazardous materials are transported through the county. This includes railroads, pipelines and roadways. This report is now in distribution
  • Fire Service- This committee arranges hazardous materials training for emergency responders in the county. It also is doing a resource needs assessment of the volunteer fire departments in the county. A tentative training schedule is available.
  • Major Emergency Plan- This committee updatedthe master plan of the county for dealing with hazardous materials situations. It received input from all of the county's first respondents, which include, Poudre Fire Authority, Colorado State Patrol and the local hospitals.
  • Media and Outreach- This committee keeps the media aware of scheduled meetings and contacts businesses who have failed to report properly. It is also involved in creating a home page and distributing pertinent information to whomever requests it.