National LEPC-TEPC Handbook

EPA developed this national handbook as a resource for local and tribal emergency planning committees (LEPCs and TEPCs) to strengthen community preparedness for accidental chemical releases. It compiles and expands upon existing guidance materials for the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and its amendments under the America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018. This resource will be particularly helpful for new members of tribal and local organizations responsible for implementing EPCRA and for communities that may deal with chemical accidents. 

The full handbook document and individual chapters are provided below. The handbook is organized in sections:

• Preface
• Changes to the Handbook
• Part I: Statutory and Regulatory Requirements for Facilities, States, Tribes and Local Agencies
  • Part I contains statutory and regulatory requirements for facilities to comply with EPCRA, including statutory exemptions as well as EPA’s interpretations for certain scenarios and substances covered under these exemptions.  
• Part II: Guidance and Resources for Implementing EPCRA
  • Part II contains suggestions and guidance for LEPCs and TEPCs to carry out the responsibilities established under EPCRA. 
• Appendices
• Technical Resources