The LEPC has been established pursuant to Section 301(c) of Public Law 99-499, The Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986, (100 Stat 1738-58, October 17, 1986). The LEPC shall have all the powers and duties conferred upon it by said Law, and as it may from time to time be amended. The principal duty of the LEPC shall be to develop an emergency response plan for the County of Monroe and its included municipalities, and to review such plans annually. This plan shall contain, as a minimum, all the elements set forth in PL 99-499 for such plans.
Is My Community Prepared?
Our community has over a decade of experience addressing the risks and hazards associated with chemical use in Monroe County.
The Monroe County Local Emergency Planning Committee meets monthly to make sure that appropriate plans are in place to address chemical hazards in our community.
There are a total of five Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Response Teams in Monroe County. These teams of highly trained individuals from the public and private sector are an incredible resource, and are available to respond to chemical accidents in Monroe County and beyond. During the last five years Monroe County HAZMAT teams have responded to more than 150 calls for assistance from local fire departments.
Our emergency personnel have been trained to use an incident command system designed to help emergency responders handle chemical accidents efficiently. Drills are also conducted on a regular basis to improve skills and enhance the way that responders work together to deal with all aspects of an emergency.
Monroe County is well prepared to respond to chemical emergencies and is involved in ongoing efforts to prevent accidents and promote the health and safety of our community.
Risk Management Program
Regulation
In June 1996, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a new regulation which applies to facilities that use, make or store more than certain amounts of regulated toxic and flammable chemicals.
It is called the Risk Management Program (RMP) rule, and by June 1999, affected facilities in Monroe County will have to prepare documents that describe their risk management efforts and file them with the EPA.
A portion of the risk management documents must include information about the facility’s emergency response plan. That plan must coordinate with the community’s response plan. The documents must also contain procedures for informing the public and local emergency response agencies about accidental releases.
The RMP rule is intended to prevent chemical accidents that have the potential to affect public health and the environment by providing the following information:
- A five-year accident history of the facility.
- The facility’s program for preventing accidents.
- The facility’s program for responding to a chemical release and its preparedness to respond to an emergency.
- A description of the facility’s theoretical “worst-case scenario” and an “alternative release scenario.”
How does industry manage risk?
Local companies are working to make sure their operations are safe for both employees and the community. Some methods being used to make our community safer include the following risk management activities:
- Eliminate or reduce hazards.
- Prevent chemical releases.
- Minimize or contain impact of incidents.
- Train employees and prepare the public for possible incidents.
- Work closely with local government and appropriate emergency response personnel.
- Respond promptly and professionally to emergencies.
Where are these RMP facilities located?
To receive a list of facilities in the following counties submitting Risk Management Plans please contact:
- Genesee County: 585 344-0078
- Livingston County: 585 243-7160
- Monroe County: 585 753-3810
- Ontario County: 585 396-4310
- Orleans County: 585 589-4414
- Wayne County: 315-946-5663
