Introduction Letter

Chemicals can be found every where in our community, in our industry, our businesses, and in our homes. The focus of this booklet is assist local emergency planning committee members and the general public to understand the information that is generated by a number of government programs relating to hazardous materials and how to obtain that information. Perhaps the best way to use this booklet is to think of it as a "tool box." The various programs listed should viewed as specific "tools" used to obtain information one is trying to obtain. Like tools, some of these programs will be hard to use and require practice and an understanding before one can gain good results. It is our hope that this booklet will make it easier to understand the laws and the information they generate. It is our belief by knowing what information is collected and where is it found will allow for improved community and public awareness and risk of the chemicals found within our communities. We hope we have made your tasks a little easier with this booklet. Remember, it is your right to know.

I would like to thank the members of the Springfield Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and those other LPEC's, state and federal employees who assisted us in preparing this booklet. Special thanks go to the Massachusetts Toxic Use Reduction Institute in Lowell for funding this project.

Michael J. Albano, Mayor

City of Springfield