What We Are
The Barbour County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is committed to understanding and reducing the risks of natural or industrial emergencies to local residents through hazardous material awareness, preparedness, planning, response, and recovery.
The purpose of the LEPC is spelled out in the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), which is part of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) Title III. These laws establish LEPCs as a forum at the local level for action in matters pertaining to Hazardous Materials planning. In addition, LEPCs have been charged with providing local governments and the public with information about possible chemical hazards in the communities.
The LEPC operates under the WV Code §15-5A-7 Establishment of emergency planning districts and committees; composition, organization, duties. The LEPC meets quarterly in the County Commission meeting room at the courthouse.
Objectives of the LEPC
- Comply with all legal requirements of the Federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986. For more information on EPCRA click on this link: https://www.epa.gov/epcra/what-epcra.
- Address emergency preparedness requirements of Barbour County, City of Philippi, City of Belington, and the Town of Junior for all emergencies that may impact the Barbour County Planning District (BCLEPD) in a manner that complements the efforts of the three subject jurisdictions with formal emergency management programs.
- Provide the emergency management, communications, response, and support and support organizations in the BCLEPD with a management training resource and emergency management reference resource as well as a readily available emergency response plan.
- Provide the public and the BCLEPD with emergency preparedness information.
- Serve as the Barbour County Citizen Corp Council in an effort to bring first responders and concerned citizens together to provide the structure and planning to implement community response to any kind of disaster.
Membership
LEPC membership can and should include:
- Elected officials
- Law enforcement
- Emergency management
- Fire service
- Ambulance service
- Health departments
- Hospitals
- Transportation organizations
- Broadcast/print media
- School Officials
- Community groups
- Business Owners
Meetings
The Barbour County LEPC meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of the months of March, June, September and December (Holidays Permitting). The Chairperson may call a special meeting when deemed necessary to carry out the duties of the committee. The location of the meeting varies throughout the year.
For additional information or to be added to our Email List, send an email to BarbourLEPC@gmail.com