Under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, Local or Tribal Emergency Planning Committees must develop an emergency response plan, review the plan at least annually, and provide information about chemicals in the community to citizens.

As per New Jersey Executive Order #284, facilities with extremely hazardous substances over the threshold planning quantity must participate in the local emergency planning process through the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and provide necessary information which supports this committee.

The LEPC was formed as a result of the Federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986. Its purpose is to provide citizens and emergency responders with information about chemicals in Monmouth County. The law requires communities to plan for chemical emergencies and establish a chain of command using the National Incident Management System (NIMS) to make sure requirements are met. The LEPC is part of the NIMS chain of command.

📋 LEPC Committee Responsibilities

• Two meetings a year that include representation of all stakeholder groups, as well as opening the meeting up to the public and local media.
• Develop an emergency response plan (off-site ERP) for their community/district.
• Establish procedures for receiving reports from facilities.
• Complete (off-site) ERPs and review/exercise them annually.
• Provide public access to review (off-site) ERPs. All requests for access to view, please follow the proper procedures regarding OPRA Requests.
• Personnel from industries, community organizations and government agencies work hand-in-hand to share information and training opportunities to better prepare for emergency situations.

If you have any questions regarding the LEPC, please email OEM@mcsonj.org for more information.

👥 Committee Membership

Plans are developed by these emergency planning committees with stakeholder participation. There is one emergency planning committee for each of the more than 3,000 designated local and tribal emergency planning districts.

The emergency planning committee membership must include (at a minimum):

• Elected state, local, and tribal officials
• Police, fire, civil defense, and public health professionals
• Environmental, transportation, and hospital officials
• Facility representatives
• Representatives from community groups and the media

📝 Required Elements of a Community Emergency Response Plan

• Identification of facilities and transportation routes of extremely hazardous substances
• Description of emergency response procedures, on and off site
• Designation of a community coordinator and facility emergency coordinator(s) to implement the plan
• Outline of emergency notification procedures
• Description of how to determine the probable affected area and population by releases
• Description of local emergency equipment and facilities and the persons responsible for them
• Outline of evacuation plans
• A training program for emergency responders (including schedules)
• Methods and schedules for exercising emergency response plans

Title III requires that the governor of each State designate a State Emergency Response Commission (SERC). This commission generally includes representatives of public agencies and departments with expertise in environmental issues, natural resources, emergency services, public health, occupational safety, and transportation. Various public and private sector groups and associations with an interest in Title III issues may also be included in the State commission.

The SERC designates local emergency planning districts and appoints Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) within each of these districts. The SERC is responsible for supervising and coordinating the activities of the LEPCs, for establishing procedures for receiving and processing public requests for information collected under other sections of Title III, and for reviewing plans generated by the LEPCs.

The LEPC's Primary Responsibility: Local Emergency Response Plan

The LEPC is responsible for developing and maintaining a local emergency response plan that will ensure a quick and effective response to a chemical emergency. These plans provide a range of information to facilitate an effective and efficient course of action if a chemical release were to occur. Issues such as which facilities use chemicals, where the chemicals are stored, and what routes are the quickest for first responders and evacuation are addressed by the emergency plan.

Coordination, Testing & Community Involvement

Many LEPCs contact neighboring LEPCs to coordinate procedures and resources to ensure the most effective emergency response. Ultimately, the SERC is responsible for coordinating emergency plans among districts.

The LEPC must review the plan at least annually, or more frequently as changed circumstances in the community or at any facility may require. Furthermore, EPA suggests that LEPCs test their plans to ensure effectiveness.

The LEPC must make information and submitted reports publicly available during normal business hours, and notify the public of the availability of Title III information, such as the emergency plan, activities, and meetings — providing opportunities for public comment.

Prevention & Mitigation Strategies

In developing their plans, local committees analyze local risks and evaluate resources available to their area that could help them prepare for and respond to a hazardous materials accident. A progressive LEPC may also consider strategies for preventing or mitigating chemical emergencies — that is, identifying ways to keep emergencies from happening, or of making their consequences less severe.

The contingency plan generated by the LEPC must include a list of hazardous materials facilities and the routes they use to transport listed materials, emergency response procedures, and evacuation plans. It is reviewed by the SERC and updated annually by the LEPC. Emergency plans must focus on the list of extremely hazardous substances published by the EPA, but they are not limited to this list. Any facility that uses these substances in excess of specified "threshold" quantities is subject to emergency planning requirements.

SERC Website: ready.nj.gov/serc/index.shtml

Meeting Dates

• February 19, 2025 — 10:45 AM
• May 20, 2025 — 10:30 AM
• May 12, 2026 — 10:45 AM