11-10-2003 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

% I ORONO POLICE DEPARTMENT REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Date: 11/10/03 COUNCIL MEETING NOV 1 0 2003 CITY OF ORONO Item No: / *7 Department Approval:Administrator Reviewed:Agenda Section: Name: Title: Kurt Erickson Sergeant ^--------------------- Item Description: Clandestine Drug I.ab and Cost Abatement Ordinances Exhibits: niSCtlSSlON: Clandestine drug laboratories arc being discovered in many areas oi'Minnesota. Orono Police have begun finding meth labs in the City of Orono. The production of meihampheiamine (meih) and other illegal drugs requires the use of large quantities of metals, acids and solvents. All are readily available but are dangerous. The manufacturing process is also dangerous. It has lead to many fires and explosions. .After a clandestine drug lab is shut di wn by law enforcement, the property is often found to be contaminated w ith hazardous materials. Labs are found in many temporary makeshitt arrangements. This can include in vehicles, boats, apanments, garages and as evidenced in Orono. residential homes. The Minnesota Department of I lealth (MDI I) considers these clandestine lab sites a "public health risk.” 1 here are no clear laws that currently deal w ith the clean up of the lab sites. In particular there are significant gaps in regulating sites at pri^ aie homes in which common household products ha\e been used in non-.standard ways. The MDH is recommending cities consider appropriate ordinances to mandate the proper clean up of lab sites. MDH is restricted in dealing w ith only licensed locations (motels, restaurants, etc.) unless the commissioner overseeing MDH rules a site to be a "public health hazard.” The chemicals used in the clandestine labs b»a*e been documented to invade and permeate \ entijation systems, shectrock walls, carpet, draperies, furniture, etc. The chemicals after the cooking process are often discarded into sewer or septic systems. This can cause significant corrosion of the piping leading to replacement or in the case of septic system the destruction of the septic sy stem and contamination of the ground w ater. There are residual effects to these chemical compounds, ^'hen a site is not cleaned and tested to be sure it is safe, future residents can unknowingly come into contact with chemical compounds that