Budget Cuts Result in Ending the State Meth Lab Cleanup Program

The recent budget reductions have required the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to discontinue the Clandestine Drug Lab Response Program, effective immediately. Last year, KDHE responded to about 170 illegal drug labs at the request of law enforcement.

A typical response involved the removal and disposal of hazardous chemicals, and testing the home or other structure to determine if the residual contaminants exceeded safety standards. Structures deemed unsafe were marked with hazardous materials placards until owners cleaned up their properties. Such cleanups could include replacing carpeting, wallboard or other contaminated materials, and painting. Once properties were cleaned, KDHE personnel retested them to determine if they were safe.