Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)

Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) evolved from federal legislation passed in 1986 known as the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA or SARA Title III). Grant County's LEPCs undertake an all-hazards approach, planning for all types of emergencies.

Grant County LEPC Chapters

Because of the widespread geography of Grant County and differing community risks, Grant County has four LEPC chapters, which each meet regularly to address concerns and conduct business. Moses Lake and Warden LEPC chapters meet monthly, and the Quincy Valley and Ephrata LEPC chapters meet quarterly. Click on the links below for specific information and meeting times and locations:

• Ephrata
• Moses Lake
• Quincy Valley
• Warden

LEPC Contact Information:

To submit a SARA Tier II report digitally, please email the report to [email protected]

Physical Mailing Address: 

PO Box 37

35 C St NW

Ephrata, WA 98823

In the event of an emergency, please contact the 24 Hour Emergency Management Duty Officer at 509-237-2598.

Planning Requirements

LEPCs have incorporated the planning requirements of Title 3 into the county's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan developed by Grant County Department of Emergency Management.

Businesses using or generating certain quantities of materials on the Environmental Protection Agency's Extremely Hazardous Substance list must report to the LEPC and their local fire departments.

Emergency Response Procedures

Any business which uses, manufactures, stores or transports hazardous materials is required to have procedures for safe handling of these materials as well as emergency response procedures.

Hazardous Materials

Many solids, gasses and liquids used in the production of fuels, medicines, plastics, and other products and processes in our community are classified as hazardous. Hazardous materials are used. stored and transported daily throughout the country.

Under most circumstances, these materials are handled safely. However, when improperly handled, disposed of or released these substances can become hazardous to people and the environment necessitating coordinated planning for emergencies.

Hazardous materials have one or more of the following characteristics:

• Corrosive
• Flammable
• Poisonous
• Toxic Fumes

Community Right to Know

The LEPCs have established a Community Right to Know Program which incorporates the chemicals reported to the LEPC by local businesses.

This program is based upon the 1986 Title III of SARA. This legislation requires local planning by businesses and response agencies (such as fire departments) whenever hazardous materials are involved. SARA also requires the establishment of a system in each community that informs citizens of chemicals used, manufactured or stored locally.

Workers Right to Know

Laws exist which require a Hazard Communication Standard also known as the Worker Right to Know program. Employers are required to inform employees of chemical hazards present in the workplace.

For more information about Worker Right to Know, call the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries Safety and Health toll free information at 800-423-7233.