Chesapeake Local Emergency Planning Committee

Vision: Through community engagement and industry partnerships, the Chesapeake Local Emergency Planning Committee strives to make the City of Chesapeake safe from chemical hazards and incidents.

The LEPC is a product of federal legislation that was passed in the wake of the Bhopal disaster in India, where thousands of people died because of an accident involving hazardous materials.

To prevent similar occurrence in our communities, in 1986 Congress passed a law that establishes requirements for businesses and for federal, state and local governments regarding emergency planning and community right to know.

LEPC's are links between citizens, industry and the government. Because LEPC's are most familiar with the hazards in their own community, and because local citizens tend to be the first responders in an emergency, LEPC's are in the best position to assist local governments in developing emergency plans.

The role of an LEPC is to form a partnership with local governments and industries as a resource for enhancing hazardous materials preparedness. Membership comes from the local area, representing various organizations, agencies, departments, facilities and other groups within the district.