Another casualty of Kansas’ budget mess: a program that cleaned up after meth cooks.
Last year, the state agency in charge of the program cleaned up 170 drug labs. On Friday the Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced the program would be cut immediately because of state funding cuts.
The program involved more than a squirt of Windex. The cleaners would remove and dispose of potentially dangerous chemicals used in the production of meth and test the location before its owners (the ones not in jail anyway) could return.
“It’s the hazardous chemicals we’re worrying about,” said Maggie Thompson, spokeswoman for KDHE.
Often the cleanups involved the removal of carpet and wallboard.
“It is unfortunate, but unavoidable, that keeping a balanced state budget made the elimination of this program necessary,” stated Rod Bremby, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. “The Clandestine Drug Lab Response Program not only helped to ensure healthy and clean neighborhoods and communities, but was an opportunity for KDHE to build partnerships with law enforcement.”
The program started in 2000.
Without the service, it will be up to local governments and police departments to clean up after meth labs. If they won’t do it, it could fall to the owner.
“A lot of times if it’s a rental property the owners don’t even know what’s going on,” Thompson said.
