CRYSTAL METH A THREAT TO ENTIRE COMMUNITY

Editor, the News:

Have you ever thought about the connection between your local stream
and toxic waste from methamphetamine labs?

Most people know that doing drugs will have negative consequences on
their health, but they may not realize the harm they cause the
environment.

There is further harm done when our police, our medics, our
firefighters are put in harms way when they respond to a potential
meth lab. If they are not wearing hazmat suits, they could be killed.

Simply inhaling one of the many chemicals used will cause severe burns
to the throat and lungs, some irreparably.

Our mayor, Gordy Robson, thinks he knows a lot about meth and its
consequences, including the best way to treat the condition. He merely
built a house, not to code, to treat addicts.

What we need is a mayor who is really dedicated to the clean up of
those criminals who seem to be growing in number each year. We need
strong direction, funding, transparency and accountability.

We also need guts in our judicial system.

Unfortunately, the judges are not chosen by the people, but rather by
political hacks serving some political agenda.

If the Salvation Army and like services know the names of dealers and
users, they should, by law, deliver those names. In doing so, they may
reduce the danger to citizens and its law enforcement and health
professionals.

Methamphetamines, or meth labs, using inexpensive over-the-counter
chemicals to process the drug, can cause soil and water contamination,
threaten fish, streams and wildlife.

For each pound of meth produced, five to six pounds of hazardous waste
is generated, posing immediate and long-term environmental and health
risks.

For example, National Forest Service employees who have been in
contact with meth dump sites have become ill. They could be mothers,
fathers, sons or daughters you know.

The waste contains chemicals like lye, red phosphorus, hydroidic acid
and iodine. Some of this hazardous waste is dumped directly into
domestic water wells, farmland and mine shafts, creating broader
public health risks from contaminated water.

It must be obvious that not just the addict is at risk, but the entire
community.

Students who know of dealers, or cookers, or users should advise the
authorities, as should parents who may have the same
information.

Before this federal election takes place, please ask your candidates
what their plans are, with specifics, because this issue is important
to you and your community.

As we can do nothing through the justice system, we may be able to
effect change through our legislators.

Harry B. Battle

Maple Ridge