Matagorda

What is an LEPC?

An LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Committee) is a gathering of representatives in your community that have an interest in hazardous materials safety. As a group, you will be tasked with identifying potential risks that your community faces, from chemicals stored in and/or transported throughout your community. The LEPC should seek ways to help minimize the risk, prevent accidents and assist in the development of plans to deal with a chemical emergency. Education and community outreach is another core component of an LEPC. Through the LEPC, the public will be able to seek out information about chemicals in their communities and learn how to safely shelter in place.

Why Does the LEPC Exist?  By law, the Texas-Community Emergency Response Coordination Council has designated emergency planning districts in each County. The Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act (SARA) Title III is the primary governing law that dictates the LEPC's actions. Additional informaiton on SARA Title III has been included on this website.

Who or What Agency is a Member of the LEPC?  SARA Title III requires that the following groups be represented on the LEPC: elected officials, law enforcement, emergency management, fire services, public health, EMS, hospital, local environmental groups, transportation personnel, media, community groups, facilities subject to SARA requirements, organized labor, education and agriculture. Additional representatives have been invited to sit on the LEPC to provide a well-rounded and whole community perspective for emergency plans. The full membership list has been the collaboration and communication amongst members. All members are appointed to the LEPC by the Matagorda County Board of Commissioners as another requirement under SARA Title III.

How Often Does & Where Does the LEPC Meet?  The LEPC is required to meet a minimum of once a quarter. If there are additional pressing issues, a special meeting may be called. The LEPC typically meets at the Matagorda County Joint Information Center (STP Center for Energy Development) at 3 pm on the 3rd Thursday of the following months: January, April, July and October. A current schedule is posted at the Matagorda County Courthouse and the Matagorda County webpage.

What are the Main Responsibilities of the LEPC?  

• Review and provide oversight for all of the hazardous materials planning and reporting requirements under SARA Title III. Many of the reporting requirements are received by Matagorda County and then forwarded to the Emergency Management Coordinator. If necessary, the Emergency Management Coordinator when notifies additional committ members or reports any LEPC notifications at the next meeting.
• Oversee the County's Emergency Response Plan. The Matagorda County Emergency Management Office develops and maintains the Emergency Action Guidelines and presents them to the LEPC for review and comments.
• Oversee and participate in the County's Hazard Mitigation Plan revision. The County is required to maintain a Hazard Mitigation Plan per the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This plan allows entities within Matagorda County to apply for Hazard Mitigation funding to prevent or increase resilience to negative impacts from disasters. The LEPC is used as the revision oversight committee to ensure a broad list of potential projects invluded in the plan. The Hazard Mitigation Plan is required to be revised every 5 years. Occasionally, there are other emergency planning or response coordination activities brought before the LEPC. The overall purpose of the LEPC is to increase the emergency planning, response and preparedness of Matagorda County.