How Communities Can
Prepare for Hazardous
Materials Incidents
What Federal Requirements Exist?
• Emergency Planning and Community Right-toKnow Act (EPCRA) amended Public Law
99-499, Oct.17,1986 – Codified into 42 U.S.C.
11001 et seq.
• Passed as Title III of the Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
• Established unfunded Federal mandates for
community preparedness
What State Requirements Exist?
• § 44-146.19, Code of Virginia (COV)
• Subsections (B) and (E)
• § 44-146.38, Code of Virginia (COV)
• Otherwise known as the Virginia Emergency
Services and Disaster Laws
Have You Done the Basics?
• Appointed an Emergency Coordinator/
Manager in compliance with COV and EPCRA?
• Developed an emergency operations plan
pursuant to COV and EPCRA?
• Designated a Hazardous Materials Coordinator
in compliance with COV and EPCRA?
• Established a Local Emergency Planning
Committee (LEPC) pursuant to EPCRA?
Have You Done the Basics?
• Requested that your LEPC members been
appointed by the Virginia Emergency
Response Council (VERC) pursuant to COV
and EPCRA?
• Ensured that the makeup of your LEPC
comply with EPCRA mandates?
• Your LEPC has conducted an annual review
of the local emergency operations plan
(EOP) in compliance with EPCRA?
Have You Done the Basics?
• Ensured that your EOP is compliant with the
specific mandates of EPCRA?
• Your LEPC has conducted “an evaluation of
the need for resources necessary to develop,
implement and exercise your emergency
operations plan” in accordance with EPCRA?
• Your LEPC published an annual notice that
your emergency response plan, MSDS/Tier 2
reports, and toxic chemical release reports
have been submitted pursuant to EPCRA?
Have You Done the Basics?
• Designated an Emergency Management
agency in accordance with the COV?
• Your EOP is current and is it reviewed and
approved by your city council every four
years pursuant to the COV?
• Your locality has conducted its Local
Capabilities and Readiness (LCAR)
assessment in compliance with the COV?
What’s the Bottom Line?
• Protecting your citizens’ lives and property?
• Protecting your city’s brand?
• Protecting your city’s assets/resources?
What Can You Do?
• Support your Emergency Manager/Coordinator
– Ensure they have the resources they need
• Support your LEPC – Ensure that their
participation is appreciated and recognized
o Encourage private sector partner
participation
• Support your Fire Marshal’s/Inspector’s Office
How Can We Help?
• Provide guidance on LEPC development
• Provide grant funding to support your hazmat
planning process
• Provide assistance in enhancing your EOPs
Contact Information
Randy Francis, CPP, CHS-V, CDP-I
Manager, Homeland Security Planning Branch
Preparedness Division
Virginia Department of Emergency Management
10501 Trade Court
Richmond, Va. 23113
[email protected]
804.897.9786