The mission of the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) and Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) is to implement the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) and to mitigate the effects of a release or spill of natural or man-made hazardous materials. On October 17, 1986, in response to concerns for safety around chemical facilities, Congress enacted the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA), also known as Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA). The Act has had a far-reaching influence on issues relating to hazardous materials.

SERC's Annual Reports
Annual 2007 Report
Annual 2006 Report


LEPC/SERC Conference -
September 22-24, 2008


SERC By Laws

The EPCRA contains five sections which cover issues associated with the manufacture,, use, exposure, transportation and public education of hazardous materials. See EPCRA Summary.

HOUSE BILL-2382 enables and authorizes West Virginia to fulfill obligations under the federal statute. See Summary PDF.

Title 55, effective June 14, 199, provides guidance by the WV legislature on how to implement EPCRA and SARA Title III for the WV SERC and LEPCs throughout the state. See Summary PDF.

Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness

Effective June 1995, the West Virginia SERC began making Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) grants available to active LEPCs within the state. LEPCs are required to maintain an active LEPC (meet a minimum of once a quarter), produce by-laws and conduct one exercise (table top, functional or actual event) per year. Counties are eligible for HMEP grants beginning October 10th yearly. Applications are mailed to LEPCs March 15th. Applications are due back to the West Virginia Office of Emergency Services by June 15th yearly.

HMEP Grants are designed to develop and provide education and training to public sector employees for the purpose of responding to chemical accidents/incidents in accordance with OSHA 1910.120.

SERC Grants

SERC Grants are provided to LEPCs to assist in the operation of LEPCs and their activities. Grant packages are sent to LEPCs January 1st yearly and must be returned no later than July first yearly.

The LEPC develops and implements comprehensive emergency response plans; reviews plans and standared operating proceduress; processes information requests from the public; conducts exercises and drills; and conducts public awareness campaigns in their communites.