The AZSERC program is overseen by ADEQ. AZSERC receives and coordinates emergency notifications of chemical releases, collects chemical inventory information and provides the information to interested parties, training programs and grants programs. AZSERC serves as a state clearinghouse for hazardous chemical emergency preparedness and planning activities and information through coordination with federal, tribal nations, state, local governments, industry and community interest groups.

Established by Arizona Law¹, AZSERC is tasked with the implementation of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPRCA) in Arizona. The Commission oversees 15 Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) and supports community, industry and government with:

• Planning, release and incident reporting
• Data management guidance for inventory reporting
• Public disclosure of information about hazardous chemicals in Arizona
• Development of training and outreach programs
  
  

Additionally, AZSERC provides consultative services, conducts and participates in workshops, and coordinates the development and review of plans and programs for the 15 LEPCs.

To request facility-specific information, please submit a public records request | Learn More >

What is EPCRA?

The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986 was created to help communities plan for chemical emergencies.  It also requires industry to report on the storage, use and releases of hazardous substances to federal, state and local governments.  EPCRA requires state and local governments, and Indian tribes to use this information to prepare their community from potential risks | Learn More About EPCRA > 

What are SERCs and LEPCs?

The Governor of each state has designated a State Emergency Response Commission (SERC). Each SERC is responsible for implementing EPCRA provisions within their state. The SERCs in turn have designated about 3,500 local emergency planning districts and appointed a LEPC for each district. The SERC supervises and coordinates the activities of the LEPC, establishes procedures for receiving and processing public requests for information collected under EPCRA and reviews local emergency response plans.

The LEPC membership must include, at a minimum, local officials including police, fire, civil defense, public health, transportation and environmental professionals, as well as representatives of facilities subject to the emergency planning requirements, community groups and the media. LEPCs must develop an emergency response plan, review the plan annually and provide information about chemicals in the community to citizens | View LEPC Points of Contact Listing > 

1Arizona Revised Statutes Title 49, Chapter 1, Article 2