The Cass County LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Committee) was presented with an award at the recent 2015 Region 7 LEPC/TERC (Tribal Emergency Response Commission) Conference held in Nebraska City, Nebraska. Region 7 is comprised of LEPCs from the states of Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, and TERC from Nine Tribal Nations. Awards were given to recognize LEPC’s/TERC’s that are actively involved in their community risk reduction, planning, and prevention activities involving hazardous materials and other hazards.

LEPC Chair Ric Hanson (Left) & Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon (right).

The Cass County LEPC was one of four award winners in the Small LEPC category. The other recipients were Anderson County, Kansas, Linn County, Missouri and Adair-Guthrie, Iowa. The Adair-Guthrie LEPC also received a Social Media award.

The Cass County LEPC was nominated by The Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The Chairperson of the Cass County LEPC is Ric Hanson of KJAN Radio.

Local Emergency Planning Committees develop hazardous materials response plans for their counties, review the plan at least annually, and provide information about chemicals in the community to citizens. LEPC membership includes elected officials, law enforcement, fire, public health, hospital, emergency management, facility representatives, community groups and the media.