Local Emergency Planning Committee

What Is an LEPC?


Local Emergency Planning Committees were created as a result of the federal government passing the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA). The law stipulated that communities should have a committee to provide stakeholder input on emergency response plans, provide annual review capabilities, and act as a liaison between the public and companies that house chemicals within that community. 

The LEPC consists of local and state officials, local emergency responders, facility representatives, community groups and media, and additional stakeholders such as hospital representatives, transportation representatives, and environmental representatives. 

The Onslow County LEPC maintains bylaws in accordance with state and federal guidelines. View a copy: LEPC Bylaws

What Is the Mission of the Onslow County LEPC?

The mission of the Onslow County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is to effectively plan for emergencies involving hazardous materials. The LEPC is tasked with the responsibility for:

  • Coordination of chemical information to emergency responders
  • HAZMAT training and exercises
  • Maintenance of the county-wide HAZMAT Incident Management Plan
  • SARA Title III Environmental Compliance
  • Site-Specific Chemical Planning Programs

Tier II Reporting

Local LEPC's also act as a receiving point for a Tier II report. Tier II reports, officially known as Emergency & Hazardous Chemical Inventory Forms, are submitted annually to the LEPC, as well as to local Fire Departments and the State Emergency Response Commission. The form identifies all chemicals that the business stores that are above the reporting thresholds (as set by the Federal Government) and identifies what hazards they pose, and how much they maintain, and lists emergency contact information for the business. 

The LEPCs use this information to aid in planning and response should an incident occur at one of those facilities.  

Requesting LEPC Information

Citizens may request copies of LEPC information including meeting minutes, membership lists, Emergency Operations Plan, Material Safety Data Sheets, and Tier II forms by emailing the Emergency Management office with the following information:

  1. Your name
  2. Your contact information to include a good phone number. 
  3. Specific documents you are requesting
    1. For meeting minutes - please specify which meetings you would like copies of.
    2. For Tier II and MSDS - please specify the specific facility that you are requesting data for including the name of the business and a mailing or physical address. 
    3. The EOP can be found online at this link: Onslow County EOP

You will be notified within 45 days time of when you can pick up the requested documents. Documents can be picked up at the Onslow County Emergency Operations Center located at 1180 Commons Dr. N, Jacksonville, NC anytime Monday-Friday between 8 am and 5 pm. 

How do I Join the LEPC?

The LEPC meets quarterly and the public is invited to attend LEPC meetings. Meetings occur on the second Thursday of the first month of each quarter (January, April, July, and October). Meetings are held at the Onslow County Emergency Operations Center, 1180 Commons Dr. N in Jacksonville, at 1:30 pm. 

Interested Citizens should contact the Onslow County Emergency Management Office at 910-347-4270 or EmergencyServices@onslowcountync.gov. Citizens will also be required to fill out a Citizen Participation Form for submission to the Onslow County Board of Commissioners. 

2023 Meeting Dates

October 13th 

2024 Meeting Dates

January 11th 

April 11th

July 11th

October 10th