JANESVILLE — Rock County Board Chair Rich Bostwick is seeking persons interested in serving on the Rock County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). 

The LEPC consists of twenty-one members, appointed to three-year terms. The LEPC has representatives from specific areas that have knowledge and interest in environmental emergency planning, such as elected officials, industry, public works, media, community groups, public safety, transportation, and health care.

The Rock County LEPC develops policies, procedures, and emergency plans for the prevention, response, and recovery from hazardous materials incidents in compliance with the requirements of the Federal Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA—Title III).

As outlined in Wis. Stats. 323.60 (3) and 42 USC 11001 (c), the LEPC is responsible for:

●  Assisting local jurisdictions in developing hazardous materials emergency response plans.

●  Evaluating the community’s need for resources to respond to hazardous materials emergencies.

●  Processing requests from the public for information on hazardous chemicals in their communities.

Rock County residents are encouraged to submit their interest to serve as a community representative on the LEPC by 8 a.m. on August 9, 2023, through the online portal on the Rock County website. 

The portal can be found at this link 28TUhttps://www.co.rock.wi.us/residents/join-a-committeeU28T or by clicking on “Residents” at the top of the County’s website and following the link to join a committee. 

This portal can be used by residents to express their interest in serving on any County committee that has community representatives. 

The LEPC currently meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the odd months at 9 a.m.  Meetings are held at the Dr. Daniel Hale Williams Resource Center, 1717 Center Avenue in Janesville. 

Questions about the roles and responsibilities of the Local Emergency Planning Committee can be directed to Emergency Management Director Shena Kohler at shena.kohler@co.rock.wi.us.