The local emergency planning committee for Lincoln County held its quarterly meeting Thursday, Nov. 9 at Bigelow Laboratories in Boothbay. Updates concerning hazmat training and table top exercises was provided.

The committees are created by both federal and state laws. Under the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, the committees develop a plan to respond to hazardous material emergencies, review the plan at least annually, and provide information to residents about chemicals in the community.

There are more than 3,000 emergency planning districts in the U.S. and each has a committee. Plans are developed by LEPCs with the participation of those most directly involved. Committee membership is also defined in the law and includes representatives from law enforcement, emergency management, the media, hospitals, facility operators and others.

The committee’s activities include training, creation of response plans and public education.  Plans created by the committees identify the locations of hazardous substances and emergency response procedures. Training programs and emergency evacuation procedures are also addressed.

Attending Thursday’s meeting were Ken Desmond and Casey Stevens of  Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency; Wendy Bellows and Timothy Pinkham, Bigelow Laboratories representatives; Tony Norman, Norman's Consulting; Michael Ciccarelli, Southport Emergency Management Agency; Megan Melville and Patrick Parson,  LincolnHealth representatives; and Marcia Norris,  Molnlycke representative.