LEPC

The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) was passed by the United States Congress in 1986. EPCRA was included as Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) and is sometimes referred to as SARA Title III. EPCRA provides for the collection and availability of information regarding the use, storage, production, and release of hazardous chemicals to the public and emergency responders in our communities. The law promotes a working relationship among government at all levels, business and community leaders, environmental and other public interest organizations, and individual citizens to improve hazard communication and emergency planning.

 

In 1988, the Ohio General Assembly passed Substitute Senate Bill 367. This law, Chapter 3750 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC), provides for the implementation of EPCRA in Ohio. The administrative body for the implementation of Chapter 3750 is the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC).

SERC appoints members of the Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC) of each emergency planning district. In Ohio, each county has been designated as its own emergency planning district. LEPC members include representatives from each of the following groups or organizations: elected state and local officials; law enforcement; emergency management; firefighting; first aid, hospitals and health; local environmental authorities; transportation; broadcast and/or print media; community groups; and owners and operators of subject facilities. SERC appoints LEPC members to two two-year terms of office. LEPCs use Ohio EPA’s inventory information to develop and exercise their local planning district’s emergency response plan(s).

Facility Reporting

In 1988, the Ohio General Assembly passed Substitute Senate Bill 367. This law, Chapter 3750 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC), provides for implementation of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) in Ohio. Facilities handling or storing any hazardous chemicals must submit Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to state and local officials and local fire departments. Hazardous chemicals are defined under the Occupational Safety and Health Act and its implementing regulations. SDS describe the properties and health effects of these chemicals. Facilities must also submit an inventory form for these chemicals, to state and local officials and local fire departments. This program may apply to your facility if it is subject to the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, and:
  1. Stores or uses a hazardous chemical in quantities of 10,000 pounds or more, or
  2. Stores or uses one or more extremely hazardous substance in quantities of 500 pounds or less

For more information, please follow these links: https://epa.ohio.gov/divisions-and-offices/air-pollution-control/state-emergency-response-commission and https://epa.ohio.gov/divisions-and-offices/air-pollution-control/state-emergency-response-commission/serc-forms-instructions

Tier II Chemical Reports may be submitted to [email protected]

Spill/Release Reporting

An owner or operator is required to report a release or discharge under 3750.06 of the Ohio Revised Code anytime there is a release or spill of a regulated chemical which exceeds its assigned Reportable Quantity (RQ) and leaves the facility property line. The regulated substances subject to the release reporting requirements are referenced below.

Materials Subject to Spill/Release Reporting
  • Extremely Hazardous Substances 40 CFR; Part 355; Appendix A and B,
  • CERCLA Hazardous Substances 40 CFR Part 302; Table 302.4, and
  • Oil (definition includes without limitation to, gasoline, petroleum, fuel oil, sludge, oil refuse, and oil mixed with wastes other than dredged spoil).
  • The Reportable Quantity (RQ) for the discharge of oil including crude oil into or upon navigable waters is an amount which causes a visible film or sheen upon the surface of the water.
  • The RQ for the release of oil into the environment, excluding navigable waters, is an amount of 25 gallons or more.
  • The RQ for the release of crude oil from an oil and gas extraction storage facility into the environment, excluding navigable waters, is 210 gallons.
Verbal Notification Requirement

The verbal notification to the fire department, LEPC, and Ohio EPA shall be made within 30 minutes of knowledge of the spill/release, unless notification within that timeframe is impractical due to uncertain circumstances.

The Hamilton County LEPC 24-hour number is: (513) 825-2260

The Ohio EPA 24 hour spill/release reporting number is: (800) 282-9378

In addition, calls to the National Response Center (NRC) shall be made for those reportable quantity releases involving hazardous substances or oil to navigable waters as soon as possible. The local fire department should also be notified.

The National Response Center (NRC) 24-hour number is: (800) 424-8802

LEPC Meeting Schedule

2025
  • Wednesday, January 8, 2025 from 9:00am to 11:00am
  • Wednesday, April 9, 2025 from 9:00am to 11:00am
  • Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 9:00am to 11:00am
  • Wednesday, October 8, 2025 from 9:00am to 11:00am

All meetings will be held at The Hamilton County Educational Service Center, 11083 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45231