The Delaware County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management is contracted to perform the administrative duties for the Delaware County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). The LEPC works to help keep our communities safe and prepared in the event of a hazardous materials incident by bringing together representatives from local government, emergency response agencies, industry, environmental organizations, and the public to plan for and coordinate how we respond to chemical emergencies.
Delaware County’s mix of highways, rail lines, and growing industrial and agricultural areas means that hazardous materials move through our communities every day. Common risks include transportation accidents, chemical storage or use at manufacturing facilities, and agricultural chemicals used for crop management. Under the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), each county is required to form an LEPC to develop and maintain a Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Plan that focuses on identifying and preparing for these potential hazards. This plan outlines how emergency services, local industries, and community partners will work together to protect people, property, and the environment if an incident occurs.
In addition to maintaining the county’s response plan, the LEPC supports training and exercises for first responders, promotes community awareness about chemical safety, and ensures that required reporting on hazardous materials is accurate and accessible. The committee’s work helps ensure that our local agencies are well-prepared and that residents have the information they need to stay safe.
The LEPC meets regularly, and meetings are open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend, learn more about local preparedness efforts, and share input. By working together, we can strengthen our ability to prevent, respond to, and recover from hazardous materials incidents across Delaware County.
For more information about the LEPC, upcoming meetings, or how you can get involved, please contact our office.