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CASE 9: METH LAB IN AN APARTMENT​​

 

Case 9 Photos

 

The decontamination work consisted of recovering the residual residue produced during the operation of a clandestine methamphetamine lab (user level) in a one bedroom apartment.  This user level lab was established in the utility room for segregation.  The police were aware of the occupant’s clandestine manufacturing of methamphetamine and they were waiting for him to cook before raiding the apartment. 

 

The police succeeded in their plan and the occupant was cooking methamphetamine when they arrived to shut it all down.  Any remaining paraphernalia or used needles were disposed of in biological waste containers through a third-party disposal company and a medical waste disposal manifest is on file for support.  The metal shelving had reacted to the corrosive fumes. 

 

The carpet, couches, appliances, and any remaining material were removed and disposed of.  Clandestine methamphetamine labs can be broken down into two legs of remediation, Bulk Decontamination and Residual Decontamination. 

 

Both of these types of contamination are covered by each of the regulatory arms of RCRA, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (1976), and CERCLA, the Comprehensive Emergency, Response, Compensation and Liability Act (1980).  Residual decontamination is the cleanup of the lab performed after bulk removal is complete.  This bulk removal was performed by local DEA agents.  

 

EPA Voluntary Guidelines for Methamphetamine Laboratory Cleanup

 

1. Secure property 

2.  Hire a specialized meth remediation contractor 

3.  Ventilate property with open windows and/or doors with circulation provided by blowers and/or HEPA-filtered air scrubbers 

4.  Perform preliminary assessment  

5. Conduct pre-remediation sampling, if applicable 

6. Develop cleanup plan from the preliminary assessment 

7. Remove contaminated materials

8. Vacuum surfaces 

9. Complete initial washing of surfaces to remove majority of contamination 

10. Clean and seal the HVAC system, leave system off during remediation 

11. Flush plumbing traps 

12. Use detergent-water solution to wash surfaces

13. Conduct post remediation sampling

14. Consider encapsulating applicable surfaces with oil-based sealant paint

15. Flush drains with detergent water

16. Ventilate the structure post-remediation

17. Perform outdoor remediation activities

18. Secure property

19. Prepare final report

 

HEPA filtered air scrubbers that processes 2000 cubic feet of air per minute were operating throughout the residue recovery process to contain any residual contaminants produced during the manufacturing of methamphetamine.  A commercial dehumidifier was also been utilized to recover water vapor produced throughout the process. 

 

This transmittal of information is to be accomplished by means of comprehensive hazard communication programs, which are to include container labeling and other forms of warning, material safety data sheets (MSDS), and employee training. 

 

Gloves and all applicable personal protective equipment (PPE) has been provided to create a protective barrier in between the technician and the site environmental hazards such as methamphetamine residue in accordance with OSHA Standard Personal Protective Equipment 1910.132. 

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