March 2026 Vol. 12
This newsletter is a joint venture between a workgroup of Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) and statewide county emergency management representatives. This workgroup was formed to provide guidance and training to Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC), as they work to reenergize and improve participation in emergency planning in their communities.
Collaboration strengthens a LEPC’s ability to meet EPCRA responsibilities by improving information-sharing, planning quality, operational coordination, and public risk communication—especially in Wisconsin where LEPC effectiveness often depends on strong ties with WEM, county EM, fire/HazMat teams, public health, and regulated facilities.
Operational Benefits (Response Readiness)
Faster, cleaner incident response: Pre-identified facility contacts, updated chemical inventories, and shared Off-Site Plans reduce size-up time and improves speed of tactical implantation.
Unified command and cross-discipline coordination: Regular joint work builds relationships and clarifies roles between fire, EMS, law enforcement, public health, emergency management, and facility response teams.
Mutual aid alignment: Neighboring jurisdictions can standardize assumptions (e.g., plume modeling tools, evacuation/shelter triggers, staging concepts), improving interoperability during regional incidents.
Planning and Compliance Benefits (EPCRA Performance)
Better Tier II and EHS awareness: Collaboration with facilities improves accuracy and timeliness of Tier II submissions and helps the LEPC identify where Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHS) are present and what that means for planning.
Quality Emergency Off-Site Response Plans: Joint planning efforts results in realistic scenarios, important site-specific information, and appropriate protective actions for community safety.
Stronger SERC/WEM coordination: A collaborative LEPC is better positioned to meet state and federal expectations and resolve reporting or planning gaps efficiently.
Risk Reduction and Prevention Benefits
Early identification of high-risk trends: Shared data and “near-miss” learning can highlight recurring issues (e.g., ammonia refrigeration leaks, chlorine/hypo handling problems, fuel storage vulnerabilities).
Targeted training and exercises: LEPCs can prioritize limited time and funding toward the highest-risk hazards and the most common operational challenges.
In January 2023, WEM reached out to counties statewide looking for interested EM personnel to participate in an LEPC Workgroup. An LEPC Workgroup was previously suggested at an EPCRA Advisory meeting.
The overall purpose of this group is to aid in providing an EPCRA and LEPC understanding. Some ideas include development of an LEPC Handbook, continued education, and Informal safety classes.
The LEPC Workgroup will publish and distribute a quarterly newsletter. The workgroup is hopeful that this will be a helpful addition for LEPCs and EM professionals statewide.
The LEPC Workgroup consists of representation from:
WEM
Brown County
Calumet County
Columbia County
Dane County
Dunn County
Jackson County
Jefferson County
La Crosse County
Langlade County
Marathon County
Marinette County
Outagamie County
St Croix County
HMEP Grant – Commodity Flow Study, Core and Specialized HazMat Grant, and HazMat Exercise will have quarterly report due on April 12, 2026
Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning (HMEP) Grant for Commodity Flow Study – Applications due March 31, 2026
WAHMR (WI Association of Hazardous Material Responders) Conference – March 4-5, 2026 – Stevens Point, WI WAHMR - Conference Registration
NEMA Mid-year Forum – March 10-14, 2026 – Washington DC NEMA 2026 Mid-Year Forum - National Emergency Management Association
FEMA’s Center for Domestic Preparedness has a number of training opportunities, including HazMat, at the Anniston, AL campus. Learn more at CDP
Ammonia Safety Day Expo – April 23, 2026 – Waukesha, WI
2026 NASTTPO Annual Conference/Workshop – April 27-30, 2026 at Billings, MT NASTTPO
Benefits of Conducting a Commodity Flow Study (CFS)
Hazardous materials CFS are crucial for identifying the types, quantities, and routes of dangerous goods moving through counties by highway and rail. This information allows LEPC’s to prepare their local emergency response plan for potential hazardous materials accidents and follows EPCRA requirements in planning safe transportation routes. By analyzing traffic patterns and the chemicals in transit, high risk areas can be identified and measures to reduce risks can be implemented. Findings of the CFS study help define training, equipment and resource needs based on these risks.
The HMEP grant may reimburse CFS costs.
Improved safety culture at facilities: Facilities engaged with responders often invest more in pre-incident planning, access improvements, labeling, and emergency procedures.
Community & Public Information Benefits
Clearer public messaging: Coordinated communication among LEPC, PIOs, public health, and facilities reduces confusion and misinformation during incidents.
Credible public outreach: When the LEPC works closely with stakeholders, outreach on shelter-in-place, evacuation, and warning systems is more consistent and trusted.
Resource and Capability Benefits
Shared expertise and equipment: Smaller departments gain access to county/regional HAZMAT capability, technical specialists, and planning support.
Grant and funding competitiveness: Multi-agency and public-private collaboration strengthens applications and demonstrates regional impact.
Reduced duplication: One coordinated set of facility surveys, contacts, and pre-plans saves time across agencies.
Introducing an 8-week course, with 1 module per week, each scheduled for up to 2 hours. The course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and its key components.
Course Modules:
Module 1 – EPCRA Overview
Module 2 – EPCRA Program and LEPC’s
Module 3 – Reporting & Planning Facilities
Module 4 – EPCRA Planning Program
Module 5 – Offsite Response Plans
Module 6 – CAMEO and MARPLOT Overview
Module 7 – WHOPRS Overview
Module 8 – EPCRA Grants
The next class is scheduled for
Date: March 6
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Module: W-612 – Emergency Planning & LEPCs
All classes will be held on Fridays at 9:30
a.m. for the next 7 weeks. Register for each module on the WEM Training Portal.
The last newsletter announced a joint effort between The Wisconsin Emergency Management Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) team along with the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Best Practices Workgroup to bring a LEPC 101/102 presentation in conjunction with the
Governor’s Conference. Since the Governor’s Conference
This Newsletter is issued quarterly to bring ideas and information for helping your LEPC and energizing them in your county.
The next issue will be released in March 2026. If you have ideas that you would like to share, please reach out to Darlene Pintarro. Let’s work together here in Wisconsin!
Did You Know?
EPCRA resources are just a few clicks away
There area numerous EPCRA resources available in WebEOC
under EPCRA and Plan of Work Documents.
The EPCRA WEM Team also provides valuable expertise. Melissa Johnson and Dave Radisewitz are available for one-on-one WHOPRS assistance, when needed.
was cancelled for 2026 the LEPC 101/102 presentation is also cancelled. Stay tuned for a future opportunity to attend this presentation.