EPCRA > SERC

Washington State Emergency Response Commission

The Washington SERC was created in accordance with federal Public Law 99-499. Congress enacted this law in response to public concern about chemical accidents such as those in Bhopal, India and Institute, West Virginia where people lost their lives or suffered serious injury. EPCRA establishes requirements for federal, state and local governments, and industry regarding emergency response planning and everyone's right to know about hazardous chemicals in their community.

The SERC is comprised of a broad-based membership with representatives from private industry, state and local agencies. The Department of Ecology, Washington State Patrol and Emergency Management Division of the Military Department have specific responsibilities under WAC 118-40.

The SERC was established to:

• implement the provisions of the Emergency Planning & Community Right-to-Know Act
• designate and oversee Local Emergency Planning Districts or Committees
• facilitate preparation and implementation of emergency planning and preparedness

The Department of Ecology serves as the repository for most of the EPCRA reporting requirements. Ecology receives and distributes information on storage and releases of toxic chemicals under the SARA Title III regulation.

SERC membership

Additional information on SERC activities is available at http://www.emd.wa.gov/hazards/StateEmergencyResponseCommissionSERC.shtml or you may contact Ron Wilson, SERC/LEPC Program Coordinator by email at: r.wilson@emd.wa.gov

Guidance for Tribal Emergency Response Commissions is available. 

SERC related sites:
Homeland Security Grants: http://emd.wa.gov/grants/grants_homeland_security.shtml 
Washington State Fire Marshal: htpp://www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/firemars.htm
Washington State Patrol: http://www.wsp.wa.gov
Disaster Preparedness: http://www.emd.wa.gov/preparedness/prep_index.shtml