ABOUT LEPC 9
The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) of Caledonia and southern Essex counties is comprised of 24 communities with a population of approximately 33,000. It is served by two major interstate systems, I-91 and I-93, as well as major Routes 2, 5, 5A, 14, 15, 16, 18, 114, 112, and 302. LEPC 9 includes five communities that border the Connecticut River and New Hampshire. Many of the border communities have mutual aid agreements with New Hampshire first responders. The Connecticut River also houses three Level 1 Dam facilities, the Moore Dam (Waterford), Comerford Dam (Barnet), and McIndoe Falls Dam (Barnet).
ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND
Local Emergency Planning Committees were established by the Federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act, as Title III of the Superfund Amendments & Reauthorization Act of 1986.The Community Right-to-Know Act allows the public access to information on hazardous chemicals that may be used at facilities in your community. The Act, which created LEPC’s, also provided means to plan for the protection of public health and the environment through improved chemical safety and handling and emergency release response procedures.
From its creation, the LEPC was designed to provide a forum for emergency management agencies, responders, industry and the public to work together to evaluate, understand and communicate chemical hazards in the community and develop appropriate emergency plans in case of accidental release of these chemicals.
In recent years, the LEPC's planning efforts have been expanded to include emergency planning for a variety of natural and man-made disasters that may affect our communities. Floods, hazardous material spills, wildfires, snow storms, and even terrorism all constitute real challenges facing community leaders today. Federal and State planners have advocated for development of "All-Hazards" planning, which prepare towns for any disaster; not just those from chemical releases.
LEPC 9 has developed this website as a tool to provide information on hazardous materials utilized in the region (public information), regional emergency planning and response efforts, emergency responder training and forums, special regional projects, and grants and other resources. For more information or to get involved in our efforts, contact LEPC 9 at the information provided below.