LEPC committee reports: recent hazardous incidents, EPRA status and membership updates

At the Dane County Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting on June 9, committee members reviewed recent hazardous materials responses, discussed status of EPRA/Tier 2 reporting and state grant awards, considered membership vacancies and heard about a free EMS hazmat/rail safety training in August.

A hazardous incident team representative (name not specified) reported recent responses: on March 14 the team responded to a semi‑trailer leaking liquid (SAIA freight) in the "Wanna Key area"; on May 3 a water main break that included a potential mixture of chemicals from Stearns Packaging Corporation entering Starkweather Creek prompted sampling and referral to a contractor for cleanup; and on May 12 the team responded to a fire and explosion at NCD Technologies where an employee was working with red phosphorus; responders observed off‑gassing, performed air monitoring, ventilated and referred the site for contractor cleanup. The representative said most reported spills are diesel or similar products reported through the state DNR hotline and that reimbursement and contractor referral letters are circulated to the team.

EPRA and Tier 2 reporting: an EPRA reporter (name not specified) said Tier 2 reports are due by March 1 each year and that facilities typically submit information by April; the reporter is extracting reported chemical inventories and recalculating vulnerability zones. The reporter said 2025 EPRA (state) awards had not been approved yet at the time of the meeting and that last year EPRA awards were processed in September concurrently with EMPG federal grant awards; current status in the state system was listed as "ready for commission," and the county may follow up with the state if awards are further delayed.

Membership and vacancies: Amanda Morgan (formerly with WMTV Channel 15 and now at the University of Wisconsin in state climatology) indicated she wishes to remain listed as the media representative though committee bylaws require a written media appointment; committee members said Charles and Tubbs will follow up about securing a formal media representative from the station. Committee members noted that Dave Bullenberg (Hydra Chemical Company EPRA representative) has retired; options discussed to meet the two‑EPRA‑facility representation requirement included retaining Joe Demerat from Madison Water and Supply and listing David Lisonbee from the VA as a hospital/EPRA facility representative. The committee agreed to revisit membership details when Tim (member) returns.

Training and calendar items: an attendee reported that the Wisconsin EMS Association will host a free hazmat and railway safety training for EMS providers at the Verona Fire Station on Aug. 9 (time noted in the meeting as 03:30–07:30, per the speaker) and that a flyer will be circulated when available. The committee set a probable next meeting date of Oct. 20 at 1:00 p.m.

Ending: There were no public comments. The committee approved the meeting minutes and adjourned after a motion to adjourn.