A Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is required for response to chemical hazards in over 3000 Federally designated Local Emergency Planning Districts. In Lee County, this requirement is met by the Lee County Emergency Planning Committee (LCEPC).

The LCEPC develops an emergency response plan about all possible chemical hazards in the community; reviews it annually and provides information about chemicals in the community to citizens. This plan is developed with stakeholder participation and is included as an annex to the Lee County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).

LEPC membership/stakeholders must include (at a minimum): elected officials; police, fire, emergency management and public health professionals; environment, transportation, and hospital officials; facility representatives and representatives from community groups and the media