Decontamination of Methamphetamine Labs

Monday, September 10, 2012: 4:25 PM-5:25 PM
#3 (Egan Convention Center)

Level of Course: Mid

This session will address the circumstances noted during the decontamination of clandestine methamphetamine laboratories. The major concern associated with methamphetamine laboratories is ensuring the safety of the individuals returning to the residence following remediation efforts, along with subsequent analytical testing and clearance by an Environmental Professional such as a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager.

Currently, many States have passed, are preparing to pass, regulatory versions of their own rules on the decontamination of residences where the manufacture of methamphetamine has occurred. To provide additional information to my fellow CHMM’s concerning this environmental situation, I will prepare documentation for handout reviewing the regulations concerning methamphetamine laboratories for all 50 states. In this technical session, we will review the preparation of a remediation protocol, pre & post abatement sampling, the accepted thresholds for decontamination, the EPA Voluntary Guidelines for Methamphetamine Laboratory Cleanup and the follow-up documentation required by health departments for the structure to be re-used for residential purposes.

To further promote the understanding and dangers associated with Methamphetamine Laboratories, I will discuss the various methods and chemicals used during the manufacturing of methamphetamine including Red Phosphorous, the Birch Reduction and the “One-Pot” style. 

Lastly, I will review the regulatory licensing requirements for the Environmental Professionals. All in all, the main purpose of this technical session will be to provide my fellow CHMMs with the basic understanding to effectively perform and certify the cleanup of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory thus ensuring the health and safety of the family that next moves into the residence.   

Author:
Jason Morrison, BS Environmental Science, CHMM, Qualified Drug Lab Inspector, Asbestos Inspector