METHAMPHETAMINE

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant that can be injected, snorted, smoked, or ingested orally. Most amphetamines distributed to the black market are produced in clandestine laboratories. These clandestine laboratories are typically found in residences and can be operating with very little effort or equipment.

Methamphetamine is easily produced using a variety of ingredients that are easily available in stores. The manufacturing of methamphetamine is called "cooking". Cooking a batch of meth can be very dangerous due to the fact that the chemicals used are volatile and the by-products are very toxic. The byproducts and residues that contaminate the premises are absorbed into building materials, such as carpet and wall board, and are distributed in the air. These waste materials can contaminate soil, water, septic systems and other areas where they are disposed. In addition the residues on interior surfaces can result in damage to the skin and lungs. Simply cleaning up the obvious cooking equipment is not sufficient to prevent exposure to the next users of the property.

The Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act of 2007 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, not later than one year after the enactment of this Act, to:

• Establish voluntary guidelines, based on the best currently available scientific knowledge, for the remediation of former methamphetamine laboratories, including guidelines regarding preliminary site assessment and the remediation of residual contaminants;
• Consider relevant federal, state, and local requirements in developing the guidelines, the varying types and locations of former methamphetamine laboratories, and the cost of carrying out such guidelines;

AMRC has worked on multiple projects that involved methamphetamine manufacture and or use, testing for contaminates and providing remediation protocols. Our experience allows us to provide consulting services to government agencies, property owners and insurance companies.