Pubdate: Sun, 01 Jul 2001
Source: Lawrence Journal-World (KS)
Copyright: 2001 The Lawrence Journal-World
Contact:  http://www.ljworld.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1075
Author: Mike Belt

METH LAB REMAINS POSE ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD

It's unsightly, and it could be dangerous.

The Kansas Department of Transportation and state law enforcement agencies 
want citizens to be wary of trash they find dumped along roadways.

Bottles, coffee filters, camping fuel cans and even battery casings are 
among the items that may contain discarded materials from illegal 
methamphetamine labs, officials said.

Many of the chemicals used to make methamphetamine could burn the skin or 
cause respiratory problems, they said.

So far, officials are not aware of any instances of a Kansas resident 
injured from handling methamphetamine waste-contaminated trash.

But they're launching a public awareness campaign before something happens.

"We're trying to be pro-active and make people aware of the problem," KDOT 
spokeswoman Kim Stich said.

KDOT highway maintenance workers are being trained to recognize dangerous 
meth trash, and information is being sent to organizations throughout the 
state participating in the Adopt A Highway Program, Stich said.

In addition to the sides of roadways, meth-makers often dump their waste 
materials under bridges, said Jeff Brandau, special agent in charge of the 
KBI's eastern Kansas narcotics investigations.

Based on their own experiences, law enforcement officers know the danger is 
there. When methamphetamine labs are discovered, officers or agencies 
specially trained in disposal techniques are called in.

Police usually notify the KBI or the Tri-County Drug Task Force, which 
includes officers from Douglas, Jefferson and Franklin counties. They then 
handle disposal, he said.

"It really depends on the what chemicals are in use," Brandau said of the 
disposal process.

The problem, Brandau said, comes when a meth lab is discovered with 
chemicals already in the processing stage. Dangerous materials used in 
making methamphetamine include anhydrous ammonia, acid, sewer cleaner, lye, 
antifreeze and ethanol. Agents may then don special protective gear to 
handle disposal. The waste is taken to hazardous waste facilities.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment also may be called, Brandau 
said.

So far this year more than 350 meth disposal sites have been discovered in 
Kansas, the KBI said. Last year more than 700 sites were found.

Signs of meth production include smells similar to ammonia, fingernail 
polish remover or cat urine. If residents become suspicious of material 
they find they should call their local law enforcement agencies or 1-800-KS 
CRIME.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens