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What is CSEPP?

   The Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) is a joint venture between the United States Army and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist state and local governments to improve emergency planning and preparedness in communities near the eight chemical weapons storage sites in the United States.  Even though an accidental chemical agent release is highly unlikely, this planning process is important because it requires coordination of local military and civilian efforts and ensures that decisions will be made and carried out effectively in a crisis.

   In Kentucky, this partnership has brought together the Madison County Emergency Management Agency, Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, Blue Grass Chemical Activity, and Emergency Management agencies in Clark, Estill, Fayette, Jessamine, Garrard, Jackson, Laurel, Powell, and Rockcastle counties.

   CSEPP was created in 1985 when the U.S. Congress passed a law directing the Army to dispose of its aging chemical weapons inventory with maximum protection of the public and environment as a primary consideration.  As a first step, the Army prepared an environmental impact statement analyzing the risks at each storage site.