Clandestine "Meth Lab" Cleanup in South Dakota
In recent years, the state has seen an increase in the number of clandestine methamphetamine labs, or "meth labs." Clandestine meth labs have been discovered both in rural areas and in the state's cities and towns. Discovery and investigation of clandestine meth labs and the individuals operating them are handled by the state's Attorney General's Office, Division of Criminal Investigation, in conjunction with the federal Drug Enforcement Agency. Upon completion of a meth lab investigation, trained hazardous waste contractors then carefully identify, package and remove all of the meth lab-related chemicals and equipment. This material is then transported off-site for proper disposal.
Once a meth lab investigation has been completed and all chemicals removed, management of the building or property returns to the owner. Some residents have asked whether building or room interiors are safe to inhabit after the meth lab chemicals and equipment have been removed. Chemicals used during the meth manufacturing process will produce gases that can leave residues on the surfaces of walls and furniture in the room. South Dakota has developed the document "Guidelines for Contamination Reduction" to address the reduction of residual contamination. The purpose of this document is to provide information about the proven practices other states and businesses have successfully used during the cleanup of a meth lab prior to reoccupation of the structure. The information is intended to address the cleanup of meth labs after the site has been processed and released by law enforcement and to provide advice in cleanup of the contamination most frequently associated with illegal methamphetamine production. The information should be used as a guide to perform cleanup and not to be construed as regulations or rules subject to enforcement.
Oct. 6, 2009
EPA Publishes Voluntary Guidelines for Methamphetamine Laboratory Cleanup
WASHINGTON - EPA has issued a document providing state and local governments technical guidance for methamphetamine lab cleanups. The document, titled Voluntary Guidelines for Methamphetamine Laboratory Cleanup, is based on an extensive review of the best available science and practices for cleanup. Other issues included are best practices for specific items or materials, sampling procedures, and technical resources.
The production and use of meth across the U.S. continues to pose considerable challenges. Although there is a decline in the domestic production of meth in recent years, vigilance is warranted because of the destructive nature of meth and the environmental hazards caused by meth labs.
The Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act of 2007 required EPA to develop these guidelines, based on the best currently available knowledge in the field of meth lab remediation. EPA reviewed state guidance and regulations to develop these voluntary guidelines. In addition, this document has received extensive review and refinement from a broad array of stakeholders as well as feedback from nationally recognized experts in meth lab remediation.
More information: http://www.epa.gov/oem/methlab.htm
EPA 2013 Voluntary Methamphetamine Laboratory Cleanup Final Document
Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser.
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy provides a website with information on the meth epidemic and ways to prevent and fight the abuse of the drug. A recent study shows that over 50 percent of all meth labs are found in the Midwest. The new website (http://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/meth-intro) provides easy access to information from numerous agencies. Staff from Midwestern governors helped the ONDCP in putting together the website. It contains details on how each state is combating meth and provides prevention, enforcement and public safety information, along with a section for parents and youth.
National Clandestine Laboratory Register
The Drug Enforcement Administration, as a free public service, has posted locations in each state where known methamphetamine clandestine labs or dumpsites were located so that individuals can be aware of possible meth contaminated sites within their communities. Concerned parties should check any entry of interest by contacting local law enforcement and local health departments. Further, these entries should not be used as a substitute for advice from a licensed professional familiar with the specific facts and circumstances. The link can be viewed at http://www.justice.gov/dea/clan-lab/clan-lab.shtml.
Meth lab remediation act signed into law
On December 21, the Methamphetamine Remediation Act of 2007 was signed into law. The act requires EPA within one year to develop voluntary cleanup guidelines for use by states and local governments to ensure that sites of former meth labs are safe. Additionally, the bill requires EPA to convene a conference on meth lab remediation for states and others within 90 days of the bill's enactment and then every three years thereafter.
The full text of the bill can be viewed at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/cpquery/R?cp110:FLD010:@1(hr008).
Legal disclosures regarding meth labs
43-32-30. Disclosure of knowledge of existence of prior manufacturing of methamphetamines.
36-21A-89. Commission to develop disclosure form regarding knowledge of existence of prior manufacturing of methamphetamines.
Clandestine Meth Lab Remediation Companies Servicing South Dakota
The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources does not endorse or otherwise support any of the companies listed below. Rather, this list is provided as a service to the public. Keep in mind that you have the option of selecting a company that is not on this list.
Santi-Kleen
409 S. Broadway
P.O. Box 231
Marion, SD 57043
Phone: (605) 648-3371 or (605) 648-3106
Meth Lab Cleanup, LLC
Serving the entire state of South Dakota
319 S. Coteau Street
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: 605-223-1926
Toll free: 800-959-6384
Email: joe@methlabcleanup.com
Crew Construction & Restoration
3503 S. Norton Ave
Sioux Falls, 57105
Contact: Brett Carter
Phone: (605) 965-2727
Fax: (605) 275-0389
Web: www.crew3r.com
Email: brett@crew3r.com
GeoTek Engineering & Testing Services, Inc.
909 E. 50th Street North
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Contact: Dan Hanson
Phone: (605) 335-5512
Fax: (605) 335-0773
Email: dhanson@geotekeng.com or kburns@geotekeng.com
Caldwell Environmental Associates, Inc.
6300 E. 58th Avenue, Suite K
Commerce City, CO 80222
Phone: (303) 286-1966
Email: caldwellassociat@gwest.net
Assured Decontamination Services, LLC
PO Box 18622
Minneapolis, MN 55418-0622
Phone: (800) 924-METH
Fax: (651) 998-1166
Website: www.deconservices.com
Bay West
5 Empire Drive
St. Paul, MN 55103
Phone: (800) 279-0456 or (651) 291-0456
Website: www.baywest.com
Bio-Tec Emergency Services
29679 295th Lane Lindstrom, MN 55045
Contact: Michael Breese
Phone: (888) 246-9111
Fax: (772) 365-8192
Website: http://www.usacsc.com/
West Central Environmental Consultants
14 Green River Road
PO Box 594
Morris, MN 56267-0594
Phone: (800) 422-8356 or (320) 589-2039
Website: www.wcec.com
Cromwell Environmental
505 Main Street
Belton, MO 64012
Contact: Holly Kelly or Tiffany Lederle
Phone: (877) 427-7767 (Toll Free)
Fax: (816) 318-0005
Email: HKelly@cromwellenv.com
307 Environmental
335 East Montana Street
Sheridan, WY 82801
Contact: David Walker
Phone: (307) 752-5201
Website: www.307environmental.com
Email: david@307environmental.com
If you have questions about this list, contact the Hazardous Waste section by e-mail or by calling (605) 773-3153.
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