PIERCE SAW DECLINE IN METH LAB NUMBERS

Many of the state's largest counties saw decreases in the numbers of
methamphetamine labs and dump sites last year, while several smaller
counties reported increases.

Department of Ecology workers cleaned up 1,693 labs and dump sites in 2002,
down from 1,886 in 2001, according to statistics released Tuesday.

Pierce County remained No. 1 in the state for labs and dump sites, with 438
in 2002. That's an decrease from 585 in 2001.

King, Spokane, Thurston and Mason counties also saw decreases in their numbers.

Snohomish, Lewis, Skagit, Kitsap and Grant saw increases in meth labs and
dump sites, according to the Ecology Department.