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<br />MAV-eJ2-2003 12: 22 <br /> <br />LEAGUE iF MN CITIES <br /> <br />P.04/2S <br /> <br />PARTICULAR PROBLEMS: METH LABS <br /> <br />I. INTRODUCTION <br /> <br />There are many issues that a city attorney will encounter in the aftmnath 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 HaZardous Materials Team removes the meth lab and chemicals? (2) Should the <br />city post the site as lJOIlafe 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 />completedl (4) If the site is containinated, who is responsible for cleaning it? (S) If the <br />owner of the site refuses to clean it in a timely manner, can the city clean the site itself? <br />(6) What cleaning 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 harm others? (9) If the city cleans <br />the site, can the city assess the landowner for the cleaning expense? <br /> <br />Determining the proper way to resolve the different issues mentioned above can be <br />difficult and require the investment of a great deal of time. To aid city attol'lleys in <br />dealing with meth-contaminated sites, the following materials provide: (1) Background <br />infonnation regardini methamphetamine labs and wh>' the contamination is dangerous; <br />(2) Discussion ~arding the need for cleanup; (3) Options for achieving cleanup <br />(including the recommendation that cities adopt clandestine drug lab cleanup ordinances); <br />and (4) Contact iofonnation to help resolve particular iuues. It is hoped that these <br />materials will assist the city attorney in dealiDi with future meth lab issues (and other <br />clandestine drug lab matters) in a way that protects the public health while minimizing <br />municipal expense and liability. <br /> <br />II. WHAT IS METHAMPHETAMINE? <br />Metharnphcta:rnine (meth) is classified as a controlled substance under both federal and <br />Minnesota state law. I The Minnesota Department ofHea1th descn"bes meth as: <br /> <br />A man-made amphetamine, produced and sold illegally in the form of <br />pills, powder or chunks. Meth, like cocaine and other amphetamines, has <br />affects 011 the central nervous system like those of adrenaline. Meth has <br />more prolonged effects than other amphetamines, and is extrelJlely <br />addictive. Similarly, withdrawal from meth is more intense IlIId lenger <br />lasting than withdrawal from cocaine or other amphetamines. Recovery <br />may he complicated by lengthy depl'e$$ion.' <br /> <br />L <br />