The Local Emergency Planning Committee performs duties lawfully assigned by the North Carolina Emergency Response Commission, including but not limited to developing a chemical hazard/risk analysis, providing planning assistance and review of all chemically related emergency response and disaster plans upon request, and serving as liaison with local hazardous materials response training programs. They meet the Second Thursday, Quarterly (February, May, August, November) at 9:00 am at the Craven County ES located at 411 Craven Street.

Right to Know Act & Tier 2 Reporting Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act On December 4, 1984, methyl isocyanate, an extremely toxic chemical escaped from a Union Carbide chemical plant in Bhopal, India. Thousands died and many more were injured. Some suffered permanent disabilities. Approximately six months later, a similar incident occurred at Institute, West Virginia. These two events raised concern about local preparedness for chemical emergencies and the availability of information on hazardous chemicals.

in response to these concerns, Congress passed the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to Know Act (EPCRA) in 1986. The EPCRA establishes requirements for Federal, State and Local governments, Indian tribes, and industry regarding emergency planning and "Community Right-to-Know" reporting on hazardous and toxic chemicals.

The Community Right-to-Know provisions help increase the public's knowledge and access to information on chemicals at individual facilities, their uses, and releases into the environment. State and communities, working with facilities, can use the information to improve chemical safety and protect health and the environment. Learn more about the Right to Know Act.

Tier II Reporting Requirements Craven County works with its local commercial businesses and industries to allow proper and effective reporting of hazardous chemicals manufactured or stored at facilities across the county.

The Craven Pamlico Local Emergency Planning Committee still requires hard copies of the Tier II reports and facilities' contingency plans be sent to Emergency Management and to the local first responders. Businesses can use the E-Plan to fulfill their reporting requirements.

In 2014, North Carolina implemented a Tier II reporting fee. Information on this and other questions can be found at the State Tier II website. The website provides information on how to register, report, and pay filing fees.

Public Notice

Section 324 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, also known as SARA Title II (Superfund Amendments and Re-authorization Act of 1986, Pl99-499), requires public notice at least once annually informing the public of the means to access information about extremely hazardous substances that are manufactured, stored and used within their community.

Accordingly, access to information concerning LEPC meetings, SARA Title III hazardous materials planning, safety data sheets (SDS), and hazardous chemical inventory forms can be requested during normal business hours by contacting Emergency Services at 252-636-6608.