What is an LEPC?

LEPC stands for Local Emergency Planning Committee. It is composed of concerned citizens and officials from local government, industry, law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services, hospitals, schools, civic and environmental groups, and the news media. To view a list of our LEPC Partners, click here.

 

What is the LEPC’s history?

In 1986 the City of Baytown LEPC began as the Community Awareness and Emergency Response (CAER) effort. This was a voluntary program developed by the Chemical Manufacturers Association and initiated locally by the petrochemical industry. In October 1986, the “Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act” (EPCRA) was signed into federal law as part of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, known as SARA Title III. This Federal Law required the formation of LEPCs in every city or county nationwide. Baytown’s CAER group expanded to become the Baytown Local Emergency Planning Committee.

 

What is the purpose of the LEPC?

The LEPC was originally required to develop an emergency plan to educate, communicate and protect the local community during an accidental release of toxic chemicals. The LEPC’s mission has evolved to include public education for both natural and man-made hazards, including terrorism. The LEPC also collects written inventories of regulated chemicals each year. The State Emergency Response Committee regulates the LEPC through the Texas Division of Emergency Management Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) handbook.

 

How will I know if there is a chemical emergency?

Should a chemical emergency affect citizens within the City of Baytown, the Emergency Siren Warning System would be activated, emitting a loud, whooping sound. This system is only used for chemical emergencies—not for tornadoes, hurricanes, or other types of emergencies.

 

The warning sound would be followed by a public address message on KTRH-AM 740 News Radio, on AM 1610 (the local emergency and traffic information station) and on local TV stations. Information may also be posted on the CAER Line (281-476-2237) and this website as details become available.

 

Bylaws

 

Note: The City's sirens are tested every Wednesday at 9 AM.