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POLICY Hl <br />2/23/05 <br />ITEM: Consideration of an ordinance regarding cleanup of clandestine drug <br />labs <br />SUBMITTED BY: Heather Worthington, City Administrator <br />REVIEWED BY: Roger Knutson, City Attorney <br />EXPLANATION: <br />Summary: Municipalities in the metropolitan area are experiencing a rise in small, clandestine <br />methamphetamine labs. These labs can be highly mobile, located in trailers, garages, or other <br />vehicles, and pose significant public health and environmental risks to communities due to the <br />toxic chemicals used in the manufacturing process. Typically, these chemicals are either poured <br />down the sanitary or storm sewers, or dumped on open ground around the lab site. This causes <br />pollution to soils, groundwater and open water sources within the watershed. <br />Current state statute addresses the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine and other drugs; <br />however, cities have been strongly advised to adopt ordinances that establish responsibility with <br />. the property owner for cleanup of any toxic substances that result from the manufacture of those <br />drugs. <br />This ordinance will allow the city to assess a property owner for the cost of cleanup of pollution <br />related to illegal drug manufacturing on their property if the property owner does not comply <br />with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's requirements for that cleanup. This protects the <br />city's interests in ensuring that the pollution is abated, and establishes a clear line of <br />responsibility with the property owner. <br />ATTACHMENT: <br />• Draft of Ordinance OS-02 on pages e~~a_ <br />ACTION REQUESTED: <br />• Consideration of Ordinance OS-02 regarding cleanup of clandestine drug labs <br />• <br />19 <br />