Fayette County emergency agencies and industries will have a public forum next month aimed at reducing the risk to the public from industrial accidents.

The Fayette County Local Emergency Planning Committee and local industry will conduct the forum regarding industrial risk management plans in accordance with Section 112R of the Federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, according to a written statement released by the county earlier this week.

The objective of the rule and planning is to prevent and minimize releases of chemicals into the atmosphere that could potentially affect the public beyond a facility's boundaries.

The primary focus of the risk management program is to enhance public safety and preparedness and provide useful information about potential hazards to the public. There also exists an opportunity to further enhance the relationship between industry and emergency responders, creating an even more efficient use of resources and information.

“Communication and cooperation with industry are an important factor in our planning process,” says Pete Nelms, chairman of the Fayette County LEPC. “With risk management planning as the basis for accident prevention, everybody wins. The LEPC will have an opportunity to demonstrate excellence in safety and continue to work toward mitigating chemical risks to the public and the environment.”

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division and local emergency response agencies, including the Fayette County multi-jurisdictional hazardous materials response team, will participate as well as Photocircuits, the Fayette County Water System, Peachtree City Water and Sewage Authority, and the Fayetteville Water Department.

The forum will be Thursday, Jan. 20, 7-9 p.m. at the Fayetteville City Hall, 240 South Glynn St