Gordon Continues Fight to Rid Communities of Methamphetamine

(Washington, DC) House Science Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN) led a group of bi-partisan colleagues in introducing legislation to develop health-based guidelines for the clean-up of former methamphetamine labs.  Fellow Science Committee Member Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) joined Mr. Gordon as co-sponsor of this important legislation.

The Gordon/Calvert legislation (H.R. 798) would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in conjunction with state and local authorities, to begin development of a national set of health-based clean-up guidelines for former methamphetamine - or "meth" - labs; fund the development of field-test kits to detect meth labs for use by law enforcement; and fund a study on the long-term health effects of children recovered from meth labs and the long-term health effects on law enforcement officers.

"When we can effectively locate meth production sites and clean them up, our communities benefit," stated Gordon. "This bill will identify key areas where science and technology can support local efforts on the front lines of the meth battle."

An estimated 1.3 million Americans are now using this highly addictive drug.  The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported more than 7,000 meth labs were dismantled nationwide in 2003.  Local law enforcement officials estimate this number represents only 20% of current active meth labs.

"This drug is a problem not just in the way it affects individuals and their families, but in the toxic hazards its illegal production inflicts on our communities.  Scientific research is needed to determine the point at which a site may be declared clean," stated Rep. Calvert.  "Without parameters to measure toxins and contaminants we cannot ensure the safety of the public and communities affected well into the future."

With attention typically focused on local law enforcement issues surrounding meth, its affect on children and the environment is often overlooked.  Meth is usually produced in residential settings, where the toxic residue lingers to affect children and even future property owners.

It has been reported that producing a single pound of meth creates five to seven pounds of toxic waste.  Local officials bear the responsibility for detection and clean up these dangerous sites, yet no national standards currently exist that define a "clean," meth-free site.

At a recent national conference of the National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws, state and local officials from across the country cited environmental clean-up and remediation of former meth labs among the top challenges they face in their home areas.

"Local communities are working to get rid of meth and clean up their cities and towns, and we’re here to assist them," added Gordon.  "Proactive solutions involve learning the best ways to detect, remediate and stem the production of this devastating drug."

Attached are 2004 figures from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) citing state-by-state totals of methamphetamine related arrests and equipment/dumpsite/lab seizures.  These figures are currently only 60% complete as 2004 data is still being reported.

Related Subcommittees

• Environment, Technology, and Standards (109th Congress)

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