DISTRICT ONE
LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION PACKAGE
General: Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC's) were created underprovisions of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know (EPCRA) Act of 1986, also known as Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA). EPCRA is a hazardous materials law. Its purpose is to gather information from fixed locations storing certain types and/or amounts of hazardous materials and to facilitate planning for response to emergencies and exposure to these substances. The goal of District 1 LEPC is to implement EPCRA in Florida's western seven counties. This includes plan development, providing training and exercising opportunities for responders, and to supply information to the public about chemicals located within their community and what to do in an emergency.
Primary Membership: Persons interested in becoming members of the D1 LEPC are encouraged to first become active attendees of quarterly meetings and subcommittees. LEPC meetings are usually held on the third Wednesday of January, April, July and October each year. Subcommittee meetings are held at many different times, and include transportation, training, exercising, plan review, and public awareness functions. Members cannot miss more than three meetings in a row. Removal is automatic. Membership terms run for two years in even numbered years from July 1 to June 30. All memberships expire on June 30 of even number years and reapplication must be made by staff to continue membership. You will be asked if you desire to continue your membership. All aspects of the Sunshine Law and Code of Ethics must be followed since this is a public committee position.
Alternate Members: LEPC members do not have to have an alternate. However, the LEPC recommends that each member designate an alternate. Since three consecutive absences require automatic removal of a member, alternate members serve the purpose of officially representing a member and counting towards attendance. Alternates may also vote in the absence of the member. The choice of a member's alternate is an important decision. When nominating an alternate, use the appropriate form in this package and provide a letter addressed to the Chairman of the LEPC confirming the nomination.
Process: Applications are taken from prospective members at any time during the year. The process of membership includes consideration and a formal motion of nomination at an LEPC meeting, and approval by the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) at its next meeting following the LEPC meeting. Applications submitted less than ten days prior to a LEPC meeting are normally considered at the following quarterly meeting. SERC approval is conditional upon "Occupational Categories" openings being available. Openings can be requested if acted upon by the LEPC. Applications should be brought to a meeting or returned to:
District 1 LEPC, PO Box 11399, Pensacola, Fl 32524-1399
District 1 LEPC, 4081 E. Olive Rd, Suite A, Pensacola, Fl 32514-1399
If you have questions about LEPC membership, SERC guidelines or other requirements of members, please call WFRPC staff at 850-332-7976 or 800-226-8914 outside of Pensacola local calling area.
