METH LAB REMAINS POSE ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD

It's unsightly, and it could be dangerous.

The Kansas Department of Transportation and state law enforcement agencies
want citizens to be wary of trash they find dumped along roadways.

Bottles, coffee filters, camping fuel cans and even battery casings are
among the items that may contain discarded materials from illegal
methamphetamine labs, officials said.

Many of the chemicals used to make methamphetamine could burn the skin or
cause respiratory problems, they said.

So far, officials are not aware of any instances of a Kansas resident
injured from handling methamphetamine waste-contaminated trash.

But they're launching a public awareness campaign before something happens.

"We're trying to be pro-active and make people aware of the problem," KDOT
spokeswoman Kim Stich said.

KDOT highway maintenance workers are being trained to recognize dangerous
meth trash, and information is being sent to organizations throughout the
state participating in the Adopt A Highway Program, Stich said.

In addition to the sides of roadways, meth-makers often dump their waste
materials under bridges, said Jeff Brandau, special agent in charge of the
KBI's eastern Kansas narcotics investigations.

Based on their own experiences, law enforcement officers know the danger is
there. When methamphetamine labs are discovered, officers or agencies
specially trained in disposal techniques are called in.

Police usually notify the KBI or the Tri-County Drug Task Force, which
includes officers from Douglas, Jefferson and Franklin counties. They then
handle disposal, he said.

"It really depends on the what chemicals are in use," Brandau said of the
disposal process.

The problem, Brandau said, comes when a meth lab is discovered with
chemicals already in the processing stage. Dangerous materials used in
making methamphetamine include anhydrous ammonia, acid, sewer cleaner, lye,
antifreeze and ethanol. Agents may then don special protective gear to
handle disposal. The waste is taken to hazardous waste facilities.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment also may be called, Brandau
said.

So far this year more than 350 meth disposal sites have been discovered in
Kansas, the KBI said. Last year more than 700 sites were found.

Signs of meth production include smells similar to ammonia, fingernail
polish remover or cat urine. If residents become suspicious of material
they find they should call their local law enforcement agencies or 1-800-KS
CRIME.