HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 10 30 Memo Re: State Emergency Response Commission (SERC)
Council of Local Governments in Seminole County
. LAKE MARY
. WINTER SPRINGS
MEMO
. LONGWOOD
. CASSELBERRY
ALTAMONTE
· SPRINGS
SEMINOLE COUNTY
SCHOOL BOARD
October 30, 2001
TO: All Elected Officials
The Council of Local Governments in Seminole County (CALNO) will be hosting representatives of the
State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) from Tallahassee and of the Local Emergency Planning
Committee (LEPC) at Winter Springs City Hall on Wednesday, November 7,2001, at 7:00 PM. The
purpose of the meeting is to inform local leaders and private citizens about the functions of these entities
and to answer any questions that they may have.
So many people have said that they just don't know what they can do about the current national crisis.
Here is something constructive and positive that you can do to help protect your family and your
community. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said, at a Pentagon briefing, "Civilian agencies will
play just as critical a role in the war on terrorism as the Defense Department,"
In 1986 Congress enacted the Emergency Planning and Community Right- To-Know Act (EPCRA). The
Act has had a far-reaching influence on issues relating to hazardous materials. EPCRA contains five
sections, which cover issues associated with the manufacture, use, exposure, transportation, and public
education of hazardous materials. It is the mission of the (LEPC) and (SERC) to implement EPCRA in
the State of Florida and mitigate the effects of a release or spill of hazardous materials.
The (SERC) is responsible for implementing federal EPCRA provisions in Florida and serving as a
technical advisor and information clearinghouse for state and federal hazardous materials programs.
LEPCs consist of approximately 30 volunteer members representing safety and public health agencies as
well as other community organizations and groups, including private citizens. Because LEPC members
represent the community, they need to be familiar with factors that affect public safety, the environment, and
the economy of the community. The LEPCs develop emergency plans and procedures for immediate
response to chemical accidents. In addition to its formal responsibilities, the LEPC serves as a focal point in
the community for information and discussions about hazardous substances, emergency planning, and health
and environmental risks.
The information provided to you at this meeting will enable you to better serve and inform your constituents.
Please try to join us if you can.
Respectfull y,
~~x1~~
C~ndY-Ge~~
Chairperson
============================ COUNCIL MEMBERS
Steve Wolfram Linda C. Hart Cindy Gennell, Chairperson Gary Brender
Robert Dallari Art Woodruff Grant Maloy
Government Relations Liaison Paul Hull.
Dan Anderson
Diane Bauer