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<br />MAV-02-2003 12: 22 <br /> <br />LEAGUE OF MN CITIes <br /> <br />P.04/25 <br /> <br />PARTICULAR PROBLEMS: METH LABS <br /> <br />I. INTRODUCTION <br /> <br />There are many issues that a city attorney will encounter in the aftermath of a meth lab <br />seizure. Common issues that arise include: (1) Is the site safe to re-use or re-occupy <br />after the H8zardous Materials Team removes the meth lab and chemicals? (2) Should the <br />city post the site as unsafe to occupy until it is tested for contamination? (3) What <br />authority can the city rely upon to prohibit entry into the site until after testing is <br />completed? (4) If'the site is contaminat~ who is responsible for c1eardna it? (5) If the <br />owner of the site refUses to clem it in a timely m8J1l1ett can the city clean the site itself? <br />(6) What cleaaing procedures will successfully decontaminate the site? (7) Can <br />contaminated personal property in the site be cleaned or must it all be discarded? (8) <br />How can the city confirm that contaminated personal property will be properly cleaned or <br />disposed of and not simply given away to potentially hann others? (9) Iftbe city cleans <br />the site, can the city assess the landowner for the clemg expense? <br /> <br />Determining the proper way to resolve the different issues"mentioned above can be <br />clifficult and require the investment of a great deal of time. To aid city attorneys in <br />dealing with meth-contaminated sites, the following materials provide: (1) Background <br />infonnation regardiDa methamphetamine labs and why the contamination is dangerous; <br />(2) Discussion resarcling the Deed for cleanup; (3) Options for achieving cleanup <br />(including the recommendation that cities adopt clandestine drug lab cleanup ordinances); <br />and (4) Contac1 infonnation to help resolve particular issues. It is hoped that these <br />materials will assist the city attorney in dea1in1 with future meth lab issues (and other <br />clandestine drag lab matters) in a way that protects the publiC health while minimi%ing <br />municipal expense and liability. <br /> <br />IL WHAT IS :METHAMPHETAMINE? <br />Methamphetamine (meth) is classified as a controlled substance under both federal and <br />Minnesota state law. I The Minnesota Department of Health descn'bes meth as: <br /> <br />A man-made amphetamine, produced and. sold illegaUy. in the fonn of <br />pills, powder or chunks.. Meth, like cocaine and other amphetamines, has <br />affects on the central nervous system like those of adrenaline. Meth has <br />more prolonged effects than other amphetamines, and is extremely <br />addictive. Similarly, withdrawsl tom meth is morc intense and longer <br />lasting than withdrawal from cocaine or other amphetamines. Recovery <br />may be complicated by lengthy depression. 2 <br />