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.
