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CASE <br /> <br />CLANDESTINE DRUG LABS <br /> By: Chief Jim Way <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />To reduce public exposure to the health risks from hazardous chemicals at suspected <br />Clandestine Drug Lab Sites or associated dumpsites, notification and cleanup procedures are <br />needed. Such sites may contain suspected chemicals and residues that place people, <br />particularly children or adults of child bearing age, at risk when exposed through inhabiting <br />or visiting the site, now and in the future. Law enforcement must notify appropriate <br />municipal, child protection and public health authorities of the property location, owner, <br />and conditions found. Additionally, if there is a determination of the existence of a <br />clandestine drug lab site or chemical dumpsite, the property will be declared a public health <br />nuisance. <br /> <br />Property owners are responsible for abatement of the public health nuisance. They must <br />immediately vacate those portions of the property, including building or structures which <br />may place persons at risk. Environmental testing and cleaning firms must also conduct on- <br />site assessments of the property. The property owner must notify the City of actions taken <br />to clean up the site, and is responsible for all costs of vacation or clean up of the site. <br /> <br />Recommendation: <br /> <br />Staff recommends that Council adopt a new "Clandestine Drug Lab" ordinance to reduce <br />public exposure to health risks from a drug lab site or associated dumpsite, and costs <br />associated with clean up by the property owner. <br /> <br />Council Action: <br /> <br />Motion by City Council to introduce an ordinance amending City Code to add Section 5.17 <br />Clandestine Drug Labs. <br /> <br />Reviewed by: <br /> <br />Police Chief <br />City Attorney <br />City Administrator <br /> <br />CC: 12/09/03 <br /> <br /> <br />