Local Emergency Planning Committee

Never Doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.-Maragret Mead

How the LEPC Began

The idea that the more informed the community is, the better prepared they will be to cope with potential hazardous material problems led to the passage of the SARA Title III Community Right-To-Know Act.

Under this federal law, each state was required to set up a State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) composed of persons with the technical expertise in the emergency response field. They established emergency planning districts and over saw the formation of Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs)

By an act of Idaho legislature, the name of the State Emergency Response Commission was changed to Idaho Bureau of Hazardous Materials (BHM), effective July 1, 1997.

Kootenai County expanded its LEPC to include all hazards in order to provide more comprehensive and useful information to the residents.

Why All Hazard? Many of the very features that make North Idaho a desirable place to live, such as rugged terrain and secluded homesteads, can lead to potentially serious problems. Identifying those issues and assisting residents with preparedness planning helps reduce the strain on local resources.  Being able to focus those resources, whether manpower, equipment, supplies, or tax dollars, and allocate them exactly where they are needed provides the most efficient and economical service.