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Howard County

Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)

The purpose of the Howard County LEPC is to enhance Howard County’s preparedness and response to hazardous materials incidents by involving the government, private business, non-profit organizations and residents in planning and preparing for such an incident.

About

The purpose of the Howard County LEPC is to enhance Howard County’s preparedness and response to hazardous materials incidents by involving the government, private business, non-profit organizations and residents in planning and preparing for such an incident. The Howard County LEPC will also act as an advisory committee to the Howard County Government in regards to emergency preparedness and response for hazardous materials and will fulfill any and all additional requirements articulated under the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA). The EPCRA was enacted by Congress in 1986 Congress to ensure that government and the public had access to the information needed to plan for chemical emergencies. EPCRA required each state to establish a State Emergency Response Commission (SERC), to create local emergency planning districts, and to establish an LEPC in each district. In addition to fulfilling its role with respect to hazardous chemicals, the Howard County LEPC has expanded its scope to include preparedness for all hazards and all communities.

Visit the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to learn about Tier II reporting and other EPCRA requirements.

Visit the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to learn more about EPCRA.

LEPC meeting

Upcoming LEPC Meetings

The next LEPC Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 7th, from 6:30PM to 8:00PM at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center (8045 Harriet Tubman Lane, Columbia, MD 21044). This quarterly meeting will focus on home safety and preparedness. Come learn how to spring clean your home with safety in mind! Register for the May LEPC meeting. 

Participants

LEPC general meetings are open to all members of the public, the private sector, and government agencies who are interested in emergency preparedness. Participants include representatives of neighborhood associations, health care organizations, public safety agencies, schools; and other non-profit organizations, large and small businesses, and government agencies. 

Keep in Touch

If you would like to receive emails about our meetings each quarter, we would love to keep you updated.

Sign Up for LEPC Emails

Recent LEPC Meetings

January 2026 LEPC

Severe Weather & Public Alerting

Archived LEPC Meetings and Minutes

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