Your right to know: The role of the Local Emergency Planning Committee

In every community, preparedness and transparency form the foundation of public safety. Here in Lincoln County, one of the key mechanisms supporting both is the Local Emergency Planning Committee, more commonly known as the LEPC.

The LEPC is a collaborative body composed of representatives from emergency services, public health, industry, local government and community organizations. Its mission is straightforward yet vital: to ensure that Lincoln County is prepared for, and capable of responding to, incidents involving hazardous materials. The committee operates under federal and state law, which require local jurisdictions to plan for chemical emergencies and to make related information accessible to the public.

At its core, the LEPC provides a formal structure for cooperation. Facilities that manufacture, store or use hazardous chemicals are required to share information with the committee. That information includes chemical inventories, safety data sheets and details about how those materials are managed on site. The LEPC reviews this information, integrates it into emergency response planning and ensures that first responders and local agencies have the knowledge and coordination necessary to act quickly and safely should an incident occur.

Beyond its technical role, the LEPC is equally committed to transparency. Federal law – specifically the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act – recognizes that the public has a right to be informed about chemical hazards that may exist in their communities. In Lincoln County, that means the public is entitled to review certain records and plans maintained by the LEPC. These include facility emergency response plans, Tier II chemical inventory reports and follow-up documentation from release notifications.

Residents may review this information at the Lincoln County Emergency Management Office, located at 801 N. Sales St. in Merrill, during normal business hours. Each year, the county publishes a public notice in local newspapers reminding residents of their right to access this information – an important step in ensuring openness and accountability.

While the LEPC’s work is largely preventative and administrative, its purpose becomes most visible during and after events that test a community’s resilience. It brings together subject-matter experts, local officials and the public to evaluate what happened, identify lessons learned and strengthen future preparedness efforts.

The LEPC meets regularly throughout the year, and its meetings are open to the public in accordance with Wisconsin’s open meeting laws. These sessions provide an opportunity for residents to observe local emergency planning in action and to better understand the systems in place to protect their health, environment and property.

Lincoln County’s Local Emergency Planning Committee remains committed to openness, coordination, and the safety of every community we serve. Residents are encouraged to learn more about the committee’s work and the information available for public inspection through the Lincoln County Emergency Management Office.

Questions about emergency planning or chemical reporting can be directed to 715-536-6228 or tyler.verhasselt@co.lincoln.wi.us.

About Lincoln County Emergency Management

Lincoln County Emergency Management is dedicated to safeguarding our community and strengthening its resilience against all hazards through proactive resource acquisition, collaborative planning and community partnerships.

Our mission is to prepared for, protect against, respond to, and recover from emergencies by fostering a culture of readiness and resilience throughout Lincoln County.

We provide a range of essential services, from securing and managing state and federal grants to delivering specialized training, community outreach and coordination of disaster response and recovery operations.

With a vision of an engaged, prepared and resilient community, we work closely with local, state and federal partners to ensure that Lincoln County is equipped to withstand and swiftly recover from any emergency.

Through innovative risk mitigation initiatives and a commitment to continuous improvement, we strive to empower all community members to play an active role in enhancing Lincoln County’s safety and resilience.