The Thurston Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) provides a whole community approach to advise and assist county and city emergency management offices, fire response districts, and other special purpose districts with developing and maintaining emergency plans and carrying out the mandates of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) as established by state and federal law and the Washington State Emergency Response Commission (SERC).

The Thurston LEPC membership consists of agencies and organizations designated by county and city executive officials. Currently, there are 30 member organizations who represent the interests of local government, local communities, emergency services, industry and the environment. Working together and operating under established by-laws, LEPC members fulfill the following responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the Thurston County Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Plan, and update it at least annually, as required by EPCRA and the SERC.
• Assist Thurston County jurisdictions and districts with the development and maintenance of other emergency plans such as comprehensive emergency management plans (CEMP), hazard mitigation plans, disaster recovery plans, integrated preparedness plans (IPP), and emergency operations plans (EOP).
• Establish and maintain a system for receiving and maintaining hazardous materials information reported to the LEPC by businesses required to file EPCRA reports, and review annually to ensure response plans adequately address the hazard of known hazardous materials within the County.
• Establish and maintain procedures for receiving and processing requests from the public for information about hazardous materials in their jurisdiction. 
• Provide a forum for the whole community, including the general public, to discuss awareness and planning for all types of hazards to include local chemical hazards, emergency response plans, and emergency exercises and drills.

For public requests for information about hazardous materials in your jurisdiction, please contact our LEPC information coordinator at tcem@co.thurston.wa.us or (360) 867-2800.

Businesses in Thruston County that store hazardous chemicals and extremely hazardous substances (EHS) above specific quantities are required to compete annual hazardous chemical inventory reporting under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). Reports are due March 1st of every year. 

To complete the reporting process:

• Visit Washington State Department of Ecology's Tier Two reporting website to complete your report online. 
• Submit copies of your report to the Thurston County LEPC at tier_ii_reports@co.thurston.wa.us and your local fire department. 

Thurston LEPC conducts quarterly public meetings. We welcome members of the community to participate in our LEPC. If you are interested in participating, please contact Thurston County Emergency Management at tcem@co.thurston.wa.us or (360) 867-2800 for more information.

(For information on prior LEPC meetings, please send requests to tcem@co.thurston.wa.us)