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Local Emergency Planning Committees were formed in 1986 as a result of federal law. LEPCs develop plans for responding to chemical emergencies. The law also requires certain manufacturing and other facilities to submit information about the chemicals they use store and emit into the environment.

LEPC shall prepare regional hazardous materials emergency plans that indicate the facilities that use, produce or store hazardous substances that are present in the jurisdiction. The LEPC is the core for all coordination regarding all hazards planning, public outreach and awareness, drill planning and training. The plan shall be reviewed and updated as necessary on an annual basis.

The role of the LEPC is to form a partnership with local government agencies and industries as a resource for enhancing emergency response and preparedness. Local governments are responsible for the integration of hazmat and all hazards planning and response within the jurisdiction. This includes ensuring the local hazard analysis adequately addresses hazmat incidents; incorporating planning for hazmat incidents into the local emergency management plan and annexes; assessing capabilities and developing hazmat response capability using local resources, mutual aid and contractors; training responders; and exercising the plan.

The LEPC will make assessments of resources necessary to implement the emergency response and preparedness plan, and make recommendations to appropriate people, agencies and organizations regarding additional resources needed to implement the plan.

The LEPC shall be instrumental in fulfilling the purpose of the Community Right-To-Know laws to increase the protection of the community from exposure to chemicals produced, used, stored and/or transported within the parish. Transportation hazards analysis will include those risks to the district from commercial transportation by rail, highway, aircraft and waters of commerce.

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