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Tag Archives: environmental emergency responders

When you have a meth lab crisis, who are you going to call?

Law enforcement agencies were being inundated with large illegal quantities of hazardous waste, chemicals and debris associated with the production of methamphetamine. In 1997, at the governor’s direction, the Missouri Methamphetamine Enforcement and Environmental Protection Task Force formed to address this issue. Numerous local, state and federal agencies and organizations banded together and, under the direction of the Special Projects Unit, created the Clandestine Drug Lab Collection Station (CDLCS) Program.

 

Local fire service and law enforcement agencies currently operate 17 authorized collection stations throughout the state with technical and financial assistance provided by the department. The collection stations provide a safe, legal and secure location where meth lab chemicals seized by law enforcement can be managed and temporarily stored pending processing and proper disposal. To date 14,721 meth lab incidents totaling 533,981 lbs. of hazardous waste, solid waste and other debris have been safely processed through the CDLCS Program.

 

The Special Projects Unit works closely with the Missouri State Highway Patrol to sponsor a variety of specialized methamphetamine laboratory training. Included is a 40-hour Hazardous Waste and Emergency Response for Methamphetamine Laboratories (Clandestine Lab) in which particpants are certified to enter and dismantle clandestine methamphetamine laboratories. As an extension of this training, the 8-hour Hazardous Waste and Emergency Response for Methamphetamine Laboratories (Clandestine Lab) Re-Certification is offered at select Highway Patrol Troop Headquarters; for training information please visit the Highway Patrol training website.

The Special Projects Unit also provides a variety of supplies, personal protective equipment and air monitoring equipment to law enforcement at no cost. Inquiries concerning supplies and equipment procurement may be made by email or by calling 573-526-4794.

For more information visit our Environmental Services Program.  

Posted on Sep 29, 2011

Environmental Emergency Response to two mercury-related calls

On September 6, 2011, Environmental Emergency Responders (EER) contacted Verona High School, in Verona, MO, regarding a small mercury release in the school’s laboratory from a dropped thermometer.  The room was immediately isolated. The science teacher undertook cleanup following U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) -recommendedguidelines.  The room was ventilated. No other exposures were reported.

 

Emergency responders conducted air monitoring at the site and discovered several visible mercury beads on the floor in the classroom. EER staff utilized the mercury vacuum to remove any remaining mercury beads. The classroom and hallway were mopped twice with a HgX solution.

 

Department Environmental Emergency Responder vacuums mercury spill, Verona High School

 
On September 13, 2011, EER received a call from Excelsior Springs Hospital about a mercury release from old medical equipment stored in the basement.
Hospital staff performed a cleanup.  EER provided local hazardous material contractor contact information for contaminated debris disposal.

 

EER staff conducted screening of the hospital basement along with an EPA representative. Due to concerns regarding elevated levels, further action was required. However since this is a private business, a contractor was hired by the hospital with no further action by the department.

Mercury is toxic when inhaled. For more information on cleaning up mercury spills, visit mercury cleanup. 

To report an environmental emergency, including mercury spills, please the contact the department’s spill line at 573-634-2436.

Examples of environmental emergencies include:

  • Oil and chemical spills,
  • Radiological and biological discharges,
  • Accidents causing releases of pollutants,
  • Fish kills
  • Hazardous material incidents
  • Leaking abandoned containers

 

To report an environmental concern, visit the online environmental concern form.

For more information visit the department or call 800-361-4827 or 573-751-3443.

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

Posted on Sep 21, 2011