News Release

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Laurel Brent, 703/527-6223

lbrent@chemed.org

LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEES RECOGNIZED BY EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

 ARLINGTON, VA—April 18, 2007—Nine outstanding first response organizations have been awarded for their commitment to public safety and chemical product stewardship, the Chemical Educational Foundation (CEF) announced today.

            Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) nationwide submitted entries to the Community Awards for Chemical Safety in three population based categories: 50,000 and below; 50,001 – 250,000; and 250,001 and above. Factors taken into consideration during the judging process include membership make-up, budget, chemical industry and community outreach initiatives, and community partnerships.

 The first-place winner of the 50,000 and under category is Deer Park LEPC of Deer Park, TX; the 50,001 – 250,000 category winner is Harford County LEPC of Forest Hill, MD; and this year’s 250,001 and above category winner is The Alliance for Chemical Safety of Cincinnati, OH.

             In the 50,000 and under category, second and third place went to Ava/Douglas County LEPC of Ava MO, and Wells County LEPC of Bluffton, IN, respectively. In the 50,001 – 250,000 category, second place went to Calcasieu Parish LEPC of Lake Charles, LA, and third place went to Tuscaloosa County LEPC of Tuscaloosa, AL. Finally, in the 250,001 and above category, second place went to Nueces County LEPC of Corpus Christi, TX, and third place went to Southwest Florida LEPC of Fort Myers, FL.

            “We are proud and honored to be a two-time winner of this award,” stated David McKinney, Communications Manager for Shell Deer Park and member of Deer Park LEPC. “The Deer Park LEPC works hard to develop and test its emergency response plans to protect the community. A key to this is collaboration among LEPC members, public education, and proactive communications,” he added.

            First-place winners will receive a trophy and runners-up will receive plaques marking their outstanding efforts. Each LEPC will also be recognized on the CEF Web site www.chemed.org.

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Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Arlington, VA, the Chemical Educational Foundation is dedicated to fostering a greater understanding of the science of chemistry, the benefits of chemicals, and the importance of chemical safety awareness.