(Lenexa, Kan., Sept. 30, 2015) - Nineteen emergency planning organizations were recognized Aug. eight by the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)/Tribal Emergency Response Commission (TERC) Emergency Planning and Response Regional Conference for their exemplary work in reducing chemical risk in the county. The regional conference includes the states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, as well as 9 tribal nations.
LEPCs and TERCs were created in 1986 by the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA). LEPC/TERCs help reduce the community's risks from accidents involving hazardous chemicals. LEPCs normally include representatives from fire departments and districts, law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services agencies, private industry, city and Co. emergency management officials, local media, and state and federal agencies. Because of the importance of making this information accessible to all communities, E.P.A. acknowledges tribal governments as the appropriate implementing authority of EPCRA in Indian Country.
Organizations recognized include:
Small LEPC
• Cass County, Iowa
• Adair-Guthrie Counties, Iowa
• Anderson County, Kansas
• Linn County, Missouri
Mid-Sized LEPC
• Reno County, Kansas
• Laclede County, Missouri
• Howard County, Nebraska
Large LEPC
• Region V, Iowa - Pocahontas, Humboldt, Wright, Sac, Calhoun, Webster, Hamilton, Carroll, and Greene counties
• Sedgwick County, Kansas
• Saint Louis County, Missouri
• Homestead, Nebraska
Industry
• CJ BioAmerica - Fort Dodge, Iowa
• East Kansas Agri-Energy - Anderson Co.
• Saint Louis Metro Transit Authority - Missouri
• Union Pacific - Nebraska
• Omaha Public Power District - Nebraska
Social Media
• Adair-Guthrie LEPC, Iowa
• Mercer County, Missouri
Web Location
• Franklin County, Missouri
NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos and details of award recipients are accessible upon request.
The Local Emergency Planning Committee/Tribal Emergency Response Commission Emergency Planning and Response Regional Conference has acknowledged outstanding achievement in community preparedness since 2001. The conference is organized by E.P.A., Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Kansas Division of Emergency Management, Missouri Emergency Response Commission, Nebraska State Emergency Response Commission, U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration, as well as representatives from industries and LEPCs.
