Residents in Washington County have a chance to weigh in on issues that could affect their health and safety. A virtual and in-person public meeting scheduled for March 19, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., will focus on the County's approach to handling hazardous materials emergencies. The Washington County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is urging community members to share their thoughts and contribute to shaping the Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Plan.
The in-person session is set to be held at the Washington Street Conference Center, 102 SW Washington Street, in Hillsboro; alternatively, individuals can join the discussion virtually via MS Teams, as highlighted on the Emergency Management Cooperative's Events Page under Local Emergency Planning Committee. This plan details coordination among responders to limit the impact of hazardous materials spills, which can arise from fires, floods, and other unforeseen events.
Interested participants can offer feedback after reviewing the Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Plan available online. Input can be forwarded through multiple channels: by joining the March 19 LEPC meeting in-person or online, sending an email to [email protected], or making a call to Washington County Emergency Management at 503-846-7575.
The LEPC, established in 2022, has the task to spearhead planning and preparedness for hazardous materials incidents, bringing together diverse stakeholders. It acts as a platform for dialogue and collective action, involving industries, first responders, emergency managers, public health professionals, and other interested parties. According to a Washington County announcement, "Each year, the LEPC reviews and makes necessary updates to the plan, which includes feedback from the wider community."
