PUBLIC ACCESS
All emergency response plans, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), chemical inventories, equipment lists, response forms, and related documentation maintained by the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) shall be made available for public inspection and review. This access is granted under the principle of transparency and community right-to-know, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
However, this availability is subject to the condition that the information is not classified as confidential or protected under any legal exemptions—including those related to national security, personal privacy, or proprietary business information. Any materials deemed sensitive or exempt by law shall be withheld from public disclosure.
Access to these documents is limited to inspection and review only. Copies may not be distributed unless explicitly permitted under governing regulations. Members of the public may request to view these records by contacting the LEPC during normal business hours, following any established protocols for scheduling and identification.
This policy ensures that communities remain informed about local chemical hazards and emergency preparedness measures, while still protecting sensitive or confidential data as required by law.
Any person may make a request by writing to:
Bladen County LEPC
at
P. O. Box 1646
Elizabethtown, NC 28337
or
email at:
The LEPC will arrange for the review of qualifying information within 45 days of receiving such a request.
The LEPC will maintain a permanent logbook or form to record the following:
- Name of Requester (and address for mailing)
- Telephone Number
- Time and date of request
- Facility in question
- Specific information requested (Note: facility will be notified to be certain they have checked location of products are confidential.)