Local Emergency Planning Committees
There are 21 Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) in the State of Alaska. The jurisdictions of each LEPC are called a Local Emergency Planning District (LEPD). The LEPD boundaries are determined by the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC). Alaska Statute 26.23.071 establishes the Alaska SERC and LEPCs, and specifies their duties.
Alaska has 19 boroughs, a great deal of land within the state is not within a borough. To determine LEPD boundaries, the Alaska SERC normally uses the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED) Rural Education Attendance Area (REAA) map boundaries, as the REAA covers the whole state. A LEPDs map can be seen below is developed by DHS&EM.
LEPC members are volunteers and government employees who live within a specific LEPD. Federal law states that, at a minimum, each LEPC shall include representatives from the following groups: elected officials, law enforcement, civil defense, firefighting, first aid, health, local environmental, hospital, transportation personnel, broadcast and print media, community groups, and owners/operators of facilities subject to regulation by SARA Title III. Detailed information regarding the composition, duties, and responsibilities of an LEPC can be found in Chapter 8 of the book "SARA Title III, Intent and Implementation of Hazardous Materials Regulations."
Questions regarding emergency planning or hazardous materials reporting within a specific community should be referred to your LEPC if available. If no LEPC exists in your area please see DEC's new Tier II page or email ADEC.
Questions regarding the SERC or State management of LEPCs should also be referred to the appropriate Coordinator.
Current LEPCs
| Aleutian & Pribilof Islands |
Anchorage |
Bristol Bay |
| Copper River |
Delta-Greely |
Denali |
| Ketchikan Gateway |
Fairbanks North Star |
Juneau |
| Kenai Peninsula |
Kodiak Island |
Matanuska-Susitna |
| Nome |
North Slope |
Northwest Arctic |
| Petersburg |
Wrangell |
Sitka |
| Skagway |
Southern Southeast |
Valdez |
LEPC Goals
Enhance public awareness, i.e., "What are LEPCs" and "What are their powers and duties".
Strive for statewide "Level A" response capabilities thorugh agreements or contracts with qualified responders.
Support the establishment of a statewide household hazardous waste program through DEC.
Increase local participation in training programs & exercises.
Promote political subdivision equipment upgrades & replacements for emergency response.
Support Statewide communications capability, i.e., emergency phones, satellite phones, & radio interoperability.
Encourage the development & maintenance of local community response teams.
Seek full and direct grant funding to LEPCs through DHS&EM.
Local Emergency Planning Committee Association (LEPCA) Co-Chairs
Please direct your comments to: Brenda Ahlberg (Kenai Peninsula Borough) or Tom Vaden (City of Nome).
LEPC Links
LEPC Association:
