Frequently Asked Questions

Under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), an LEPC is the focal point for chemical emergency response planning and implementation in a community. The LEPC's key responsibilities are:

• Assisting local governments in developing hazardous materials emergency response plans
• Evaluating the community's need for resources to respond to hazardous materials emergencies
• Processing requests from the public for information on hazardous chemicals in the community hazard assessment and vulnerability studies as well as exercising

The Grant County LEPC meets quarterly the first Wednesday of January, April, July & October at 3:30 pm at Western New Mexico University. The meeting can be viewed virtually via Zoom at the following link  https://wnmu.zoom.us/j/89606863352

• The LEPC assists with the preparation and implementation of the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
• The LEPC receives the annual Tier Two Reports (chemical inventory). The information is used to perform hazard assessments for the community. LEPC must make information from these reports available to the public, upon request. The LEPC may also request additional hazardous chemical information from facilities for emergency planning purposes.
• The LEPC participates in hazardous material exercises and drills to improve the response community's preparedness. In May 1999, a CHER-CAP (Chemical Hazardous Materials Emergency Response-Capability Assessment Program) exercise was conducted to exercise the EOP and to identify the community's resource capabilities.

The LEPC serves as the link between citizens, industry, and government in emergency planning and preparedness for the community. Members participate in exercises, training, seminars and other special projects with other in the community to build team efforts.

The Grant County LEPC promotes emergency planning, preparedness, and public awareness to protect the community from the potential impact of natural or technological hazards of hazardous chemicals and substances, and related disasters.

The Grant County LEPC is comprised of dedicated volunteers, from city, county, and state government representatives, local industry and organizations, medical, school districts, universities, emergency response personnel, and concerned citizens.

• Participate as an active member by attending the monthly meetings.
• Provide your expertise or resources to the membership.
• Participate on LEPC subcommittees.
• Donate staff time to perform special projects, assist in planning exercises, perform data entry, etc.
• If you choose to support your LEPC you will be doing your part to contribute to the health and safety of your community.