How to Find Funding for Meth Lab Cleanup

5 Ways to Find Funding for Meth Lab Cleanup

State and local law enforcement agencies used to receive the support and expertise of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in clandestine lab remediation. In the past few years, the DEA has stepped back on certified field agents and much of their funding to combat the manufacture of methamphetamine has dried up. Without this cushion, states battling high volumes of meth labs have to find other ways to remain organized, efficient, and effective. Check out these resources if you are stretching every penny in the war against meth.

In the event of a release (or threatened release) of hazardous substances, EPA may reimburse local governments for expenses related to the release and associated emergency response measures. The LGR Program provides a safety net of up to $25,000 per incident to local governments that do not have funds available to pay for response actions.

Under the EPA LGR program, costs associated with the gross removal of meth labs and their related wastes may be eligible for reimbursement. The costs may include overtime wages related to hours spent securing the site or performing decontamination, costs for equipment purchased specifically for the response and contractor cleanup costs incurred by the local government for gross removal. However, costs related to long-term remediation actions are generally not eligible for reimbursement under the LGR Program.

Learn more about the EPA Local Governments Reimbursement Program >>

2.) Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP)

CAMP is a competitive grant program offered by the U.S. Department of Justice. It was designed with a focus on advancing public safety by providing funds directly to state law enforcement agencies to investigate illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine. Approximately $7 million is available for fiscal year 2016. Each grant is two years in duration, and there is no local match. Each grant recipient may receive a maximum of $1.5 million.

It should be noted that CAMP funding must be used to locate or investigate illicit activities, including precursor diversion, laboratories, or methamphetamine traffickers. While CAMP funding is not available for cleanup, treatment programs, or prosecution of meth-related activities, receiving support in investigations can help free up dollars for remediation.

Read more about the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program [PDF] >>

3.) DEA Authorized Central Storage Program (Container Program)

The DEA Container Program is a funding mechanism to provide proper training, equipment, safety, and security to local law enforcement officers that wish to transport seized chemicals to an authorized central storage area. Under this model, a licensed hazardous materials contractor is called to empty the container periodically during business hours, instead of being called to every lab site at any time of day or night. Container Programs save law enforcement agencies thousands of dollars per cleanup.

Amphomag® Universal Spill Neutralizer is provided as part of this program to instantly neutralize one-pot meth labs and gas generator bottles. Once inert, the material is safe to transport to a disposal container.

States can enter a Letter of Agreement with the DEA to participate in the Container Program. Procedurally, waste must be properly characterized, packaged, marked, and labeled according to EPA and U.S. Department of Transportation requirements, and then transported in accordance with DOT requirements to a secure storage area pending safe pick-up by the DEA contractor and proper disposal at DEA expense.

Learn more about the DEA Container Program [PDF] >>

4.) State-Funded Programs to Help Methamphetamine Laboratory Cleanup

State grant programs have provided resources and funding for clandestine lab clean-up. The Tennessee Dangerous Drugs Task Force, for example, is a state grant program that helps law enforcement officers identify, arrest, and prosecute those who manufacture and distribute meth. This includes assistance in gathering evidence at a lab site and the safe and proper disposition of a lab. The task force also funds Basic Clandestine Lab Safety Courses and Site Safety Courses, intelligence-gathering on meth-related offenses, and public awareness efforts.

5.) Look for Cost Reductions for Neutralizing Meth Labs

Amphomag® has been widely used by drug task force officers and other law enforcement personnel, government agencies, and the military for acid-base neutralization, universal spill cleanup, and vapor suppression. It is a simple solution that neutralizes chemicals on the spot, helping agencies avoid expensive hazardous-material disposal fees, and reduce extensive training costs. Determine how much your organization could save by using Amphomag® to contain and neutralize meth seizures with our Cost Evaluation Calculator.

When funding and safety are at stake, solutions that are at once effective, immediate, and affordable can be hard to come by. Reduce your costs, not your response.

Amphomag® is a registered trademark owned by Premier Magnesia, LLC.