The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) prepares, coordinates, and responds to all natural and man-made emergencies and disasters.

The term emergency means a set of circumstances which demand immediate action to protect life, preserve public health or essential services, or protect property. Disaster means the situation in beyond the capabilities of the responding jurisdictions or organizations.

The mission of the Local Emergency Planning Committee is to safeguard the natural environment and make people aware of the problems that can occur.

• All citizens are aware of significant risks to human health and the environment where they live, learn and work.
• There are efforts to reduce environmental risk and the efforts are based on the best available information.
• Local and Federal laws protecting human health and the environment are enforced fairly and effectively.
• Environmental protection is an integral consideration in U.S. policies concerning natural resources, human health, economic growth, energy, transportation, agriculture, industry, and international trade, and these factors are similarly considered in establishing environmental policy.
• All parts of society—communities, individuals, business, state and local governments, tribal governments—have access to accurate information sufficient to effectively participate in managing human health and environmental risks.
• Emergency planning contributes to making our communities and ecosystems diverse, sustainable and economically productive.
• South Dakota plays a leadership role in working with other states to protect the environment