Supervisors approve LEPC appointments despite concerns about concentration from one employer

Jefferson County supervisors confirmed four appointments to the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) on Dec. 5 after a short debate over possible conflicts of interest.

The board chair submitted appointments of Shane Hart, Nick Thompson, Keith Robski and Brian Utovich as representatives of owners and operators of facilities to the LEPC. During discussion, at least two supervisors expressed concern that three of the appointees were from the same employer (identified in the meeting as Johnsonville), which could create the appearance that a single company's interests would be overrepresented on the committee.

LEPC staff responded that the committee must include representatives from five specified groups under statute and that off-site facilities are one of those groups; staff said the Johnsonville appointees have different roles at the facility and that outreach had been made to other companies (including Purina) with limited response. Staff noted the LEPC currently has roughly 17 members and adding these appointees would increase membership to about 20.

Supervisor Lund and Supervisor Good voiced the concern that multiple appointees from a single company could limit perspectives or create an appearance of bias; LEPC staff said there was no evidence of bias and welcomed other facility participation if available. After discussion, the appointments were approved.