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Funding for Meth Lab Clean-up

Funding for Meth Lab Clean-up. by C. Paul Rogers August 18, 2011. Quick introduction to meth labs What is a meth lab? What chemicals can be found at a meth lab? Why is a meth lab dangerous? Where are meth labs found?. What is a meth lab?

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Funding for Meth Lab Clean-up

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  1. Funding for Meth Lab Clean-up by C. Paul Rogers August 18, 2011 adem.alabama.gov

  2. Quick introduction to meth labs • What is a meth lab? • What chemicals can be found at a meth lab? • Why is a meth lab dangerous? • Where are meth labs found?

  3. What is a meth lab? • A covert or secret illicit operation consisting of a sufficient combination of apparatus and chemicals that have been, or could be, used to produce methamphetamine.

  4. What chemicals can be found at a meth lab? • Solvents- lighter fluid, acetone, white gas/camp fuel, alcohol, methanol, etc. • Corrosives- Lye, Liquid Plumber, Drano, hydrogen chloride gas, sulfuric acid • Reactive metals- Sodium, Potassium and Lithium

  5. Why is a meth lab dangerous? • Solvents are generally very flammable. • Corrosives can burn the skin and mucas membranes. • Metals react with water. • Toxic gases generated during production (phosgene). • Toxins can penetrate drywall and other materials in the vicinity making the area a health hazard for some time if not properly handled. • Waste materials are often dumped near the lab site. • 5 pounds or more of hazardous waste generated for each pound of meth produced.

  6. Where are meth labs found? • Private residences • Barns • Sheds • Outbuildings • Hotels • Cars • RVs • Backpack • Short answer is anywhere.

  7. Cleaning up a meth lab • We are concerned with lab debris removal to include chemicals, lab equipment and containers. • Usually takes place upon law enforcements initial discovery. • Generally costs between $1,000 and $5,000 per lab. • Not discussing the remediation of a structure that has been used as a meth lab. • Removal of carpet, plumbing, curtains/drapes and dry wall. • No requirements or standards in Alabama. • EPA provided guidance in 2009.

  8. What are the methods to pay for the removal process and material disposal? • Responsible party • Municipality • Local Law Enforcement and ABI Drug Task Force (MOU) • EPA’s Local Government Reimbursement Program (LGR)

  9. Responsible Party • Not very likely • Most have no ability to pay

  10. Municipality • May be appropriate when the incident is small. • Paperwork sometimes is just not worth it.

  11. Local Law Enforcement and ABI Drug Task Force (MOU) • Local law enforcement categorizes and segregates wastes and materials. • Transported to the ABI storage area. • ABI disposes of wastes and materials. • Only works if the local agency has an MOU with the ABI Drug task force prior to the lab discovery.

  12. Local Government Reimbursement Program (LGR). • In the event of a release (or threatened release) of hazardous substances, EPA may reimburse local governments for expenses related to the release and associated emergency response measures. The Local Governments Reimbursement (LGR) Program provides a "safety net" of up to $25,000 per incident to local governments that do not have funds available to pay for response actions.

  13. LGR (cont). • The program is defined in 40CFR Part 310 • Eligibility • Requirements

  14. LGR (cont). • Eligibility • Must be a general purpose unit of government. • County, parish, city, town, township, municipality and federally recognized Indian Tribe • Must have legal jurisdiction over the incident site. • You cannot be the responsible party. • Substance released must be designated as hazardous under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). • Does not cover petroleum products.

  15. LGR (cont). • Requirements • Reimbursement cannot supplant local funds normally provided for a response. • Cost recovery must be pursued prior to applying for reimbursement. • The application must be submitted to EPA within one year of the date of the response. • The application must be signed by the local government’s highest ranking official.

  16. LGR (cont). • $25,000 per incident • Pays for removal costs and disposal • Funds are available nationally • Funds are limited

  17. LGR (cont). • Application packet is 13 pages • Line by line instructions are included • Includes 5 main sections • Local Government identification • Release description • Response description • Cost information • Certifications and authorizations • There will be a need for additional documentation • Photos • Invoices

  18. LGR (cont). • EPA Region 4 U.S. EPA-Region 4 61 Forsyth Street Atlanta, GA 30365-3415 (404) 562-9900 (800) 241-1754 • http://www.epa.gov/oem/content/lgr/ • EPA’s LGR Helpline (800)431-9209

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