Washington State Department of Health - Clandestine Drug Lab Program

Recognizes the need to protect future occupants from contamination of illegal methamphetamine lab chemicals, and operates under the provisions of RCW 64.44 and WAC 246-205.
Certifies contractors to decontaminate properties.
Provides technical assistance and training to local health jurisdictions, government agencies, and community organizations.
Develops remediation policies and procedures.

Why we do it

The majority of clandestine drug labs manufacture methamphetamine. These labs are set up in motels, houses, apartments, storage units, and vehicles. Hazardous chemicals are used that can contaminate structural materials, furnishings, wastewater systems, and soils. The Washington State Department of Ecology responds by removing bulk chemicals and equipment. Local health jurisdictions assess properties to determine the degree and extent of contamination of methamphetamine and chemical residues and biohazards such as hypodermic needles, feces, and blood. Proper decontamination is necessary to reduce the public health risks of injuries and hazardous exposures associated with clandestine drug labs.

How we do it

The Program sponsors a comprehensive training course to certify workers and supervisors in the remediation of contaminated properties. The course covers property assessment, decontamination techniques, work plan development, and environmental sampling.

Program staff consults with local health jurisdictions on regulations and decontamination procedures. Staff conducts presentations on identification, prevention, and decontamination of drug labs.

For more information, contact:

Gregory B.McKnight II (360) 236-3381

Lori Hall (360) 236-3386

Contractors, supervisors and site workers Recertification Refresher

New fees for CDL certification applications and renewals took effect September 2, 2006

Information for

Business people who want to become certified to clean up drug labs

Landlords and Property Owners

Motel Managers and Owners

Information about

Analytical Laboratories

Decontamination Issues

Decontamination Standards

DOH Certified Decontamination Contractors

Contaminated Properties List (pdf 40kb) Last Updated April 7, 2008

Drug lab Statistics Washington State Department of Ecology

Methamphetamine

DOH CDL Regulations

RCW 64.44, Contaminated Properties

Chapter 246-205 WAC, Decontamination of Illegal Drug Manufacturing or Storage Sites

CDL Legislation (Locating State and Federal Bills)

L & I Regulations

Web Resources

CDL Web Resources

DOH Home | Access Washington | Privacy Notice | Disclaimer/Copyright Information

Clandestine Drug Lab Program
Office of Environmental Health and Safety
Washington State Department of Health
243 Israel Road S.E.

Tumwater, WA 98501

PO Box 47825

Olympia, WA 98504-7825
(360) 236-3385
1(888) 586-9427

Send inquiries about DOH and its programs to the Health Consumer Assistance Office.
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Last Update : 04/08/2008 03:13 PM