SERC Mission Statement
Statutorily provided in North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) 37-17.1-07.1(a) The state emergency response commission's responsibilities as outlined in Public Law 99-499, 42 U.S.C 11001, et seq., also referred to SARA Title III shall, in conjunction with local emergency planning committees, as appointed by the boards county commissioners, and local emergency management organizations coordinate the development and maintenance of a state hazardous chemicals preparedness and response program. It shall ensure citizens are provided emergency and hazardous chemical inventory information upon request in accordance with the state and federal laws.
SERC Responsibilities
- Review state hazardous materials response plans annually.
- Monitor the activities and membership of Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs).
- Ensure LEPCs receive and record documented reports submitted under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and provide information required by law.
- Monitor resources and activities of state agencies related to respective roles and responsibilities as specified in the ND State Emergency Operations Plan (SEOP) and applicable Hazardous Materials Annex.
SERC Membership
The SERC consists of twenty (20) appointed members; one representative from each of the following agencies:
| SERC Membership | |
| ND Department of Emergency Services (Chair) | ND Department of Health |
| ND State Fire Marshal's Office | ND Highway Patrol |
| ND Division of State Radio | ND Department of Environmental Quality |
| ND Office of Management and Budget | ND Insurance Department |
| ND Office of the Attorney General | ND National Guard |
| ND Workforce Safety and Insurance | ND Department of Transportation |
| ND Industrial Commission (Oil and Gas) | ND Department of Agriculture |
| ND Firefighter's Association | Energy Sector (Private Industry) |
| ND Motor Carrier's Association (Private Industry) | Agricultural Sector (Private Industry) |
| ND Pipeline Association (Private Industry) | ND Petroleum Council (Private Industry) |
| Note: The SERC will encourage and accept input from agencies or organizations that have a key stake in the SERC's mission. | |
Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)
Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) was organized to fulfill the requirements of the federal regulations regarding Title III of the Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986. LEPCs are responsible for preparing hazardous materials emergency response plans, serving as a repository for hazardous materials information and performing outreach functions to include hazardous materials awareness. LEPCs must have membership representation from a cross-section of the community it serves. LEPC membership should include elected officials, fire department, law enforcement, emergency management, healthcare, media, schools, industry, transportation, public health, voluntary organizations, and others. (Refer to LEPC Handbook for additional information.)
Statutorily provided in North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) 37-17.1-07.1(b) in conjunction with the state emergency response commission, the local emergency planning committees, as appointed by the boards of county commissioners, and the local emergency management organizations shall coordinate the development and maintenance of a state hazardous chemicals preparedness and response program.