Pubdate: Sat, 12 Jan 2008
Source: Observer, The (NM)
Copyright: 2008 Rio Rancho Observer.
Contact:  http://www.observer-online.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2299
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

CLANDESTINE DRUG LAB REGULATIONS WILL NOW BE ENFORCED

SANTA FE -- New state regulations governing the cleanup  and public
notice of former clandestine drug  laboratories in New Mexico are
effective. The  Environmental Improvement Board passed those
regulations in October.

The Environment Department also launched a new Web page  containing
information about implementing that rule.

"The regulations that go into effect on the first of  the year will
protect children, the elderly and  families from harmful contaminants
present in homes and  other properties formerly used as meth labs or
in the  manufacturing of other illegal drugs," Gov. Bill  Richardson
said. "The rules will provide safeguards to  ensure New Mexico
citizens will not be harmed by  exposure to toxic chemicals. The
Environment Department  will continue to work with law enforcement
agencies to  ensure the state addresses the problem of clandestine
laboratories from the time the sites are discovered  until they are
cleaned up."

Drug laboratory sites can be contaminated with  dangerous chemicals
including drug residues, volatile  organic compounds, lead and mercury.

The Web page, which can be found at  http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/hwb/,
contains lists of  contaminated properties. That list includes
addresses  of locations where law enforcement agencies found
chemicals or other items indicating the presence of  clandestine drug
laboratories or dump sites. Once a  site has been cleaned up, the Web
site will note that  status.

On the site, six properties in Rio Rancho are listed.  The sites
include 550 SE Vancouver Road, 3424 SE 19th  Avenue, 1000 SE
Meadowlark Court Apt. 3, 4515 SE  Arrowhead Ridge Drive Apt 811, 1385
SE Sunset Road and  6979 NE Clark Hills Drive.

"The Environment Department worked hard to develop a  Web site that
provides guidance and is easy to use,"  said New Mexico Environment
Department Secretary Ron  Curry. "The Environment Department met with
officials  and residents around the state to inform citizens of  their
rights and responsibilities regarding the cleanup  of clandestine drug
laboratories. We developed  regulations that protect New Mexicans from
risks  related to contaminated properties."

The site also contains a copy of the rule, information  about the
cleanup process and background studies used  to develop the rule and
public outreach materials.  Those materials include a list of cleanup
companies.  The department's Information Technology Division and
Hazardous Waste Bureau worked on the Web page. The  Hazardous Waste
Bureau developed the regulations  governing clandestine drug
laboratories.
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MAP posted-by: Steve Heath