Purpose: The LEPC is a group that works to protect the citizens of Lincoln County by promoting hazardous material safety in all areas of our community. The LEPC is designed to advise, educate, and be a resource for our community around hazardous materials locally and county-wide. The LEPC roles include receiving inventory for facilities, developing a response plan around the materials, providing education for responders around the materials, and educating the public.

 

The LEPC assists with developing safety and emergency plans around hazardous materials that are reviewed annually. Information that the LEPC receives on hazardous materials can be made available upon request by the public.

Every LEPC serves as a focal point for each community for information and discussions about hazardous substances, emergency planning, and health and environmental risks. The LEPC can be effective in educating the public about chemical risks and working with businesses and facilities to minimize those risks.

 

LEPCs in Maine are organized at the County level and membership, as defined by law, should include representation from:

• Elected Officials

• Law Enforcement

• Emergency Management

• Fire Service

• Emergency Medical Services

• Public Health

• Environmental Groups

• Hospitals

• Transportation

• Media

• General Public

• Facility Employees

• Community Groups

• Facility Operators
   

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Community Right to Know 

The LEPCs have established a Community Right to Know Program that includes the chemicals that have been reported to the LEPC by local business and facilities. 

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LEPCs roles and responsibilities as outline by The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)  U.S.C. T-42.116 

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There are a few basic requirements for a LEPC that are outlined in EPCRA, such as the ability to receive reports from industry partners, membership, creating or assisting in a hazmat emergency response plan, and annual public notice.  The State of Maine Legislature promulgated MRS Title 37-B, Chapter 13, 3-A Coordination and Administration of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986.  The State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) designates and supports one LEPC in each county; and LEPCs are administered and coordinated through County Emergency Management Agencies.

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EPCRA Public Notice Accessibility of SARA Title 3 Hazardous Substance Information Section 324 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act, also known as SARA Title 3 requires public notice informing the public of the means to access information about hazardous substances that are manufactured, stored, and used within our community. 

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Hazardous Materials

Many solids, gasses and liquids used in the production of fuels, medicines, plastics, and other products and processes in our community are classified as hazardous. Hazardous materials are used. stored and transported daily throughout the country.

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Under most circumstances, these materials are handled safely. However, when improperly handled, disposed of or released these substances can become hazardous to people and the environment necessitating coordinated planning for emergencies.

Hazardous materials have one or more of the following characteristics:

• Corrosive

• Flammable

• Poisonous

• Toxic Fumes​