Crystal Methamphetamine Labs
Okay folks ...
You're gonna laugh about this one! I didn't know which topic to post it under ... so I figured this forum came closer than any other since it involves environmental regulations.
Apparently there's a lot of conversions of homes into crystal meth labs out here in the country ... so, technically that would fall under a "commercial" enterprise with "environmental" issues. 
But in all seriousness, what does one do with these properties? It's not like Merry Maids can come and clean them up.
The latest gossip is that Hazmat has to come out and at least clean (if not replace) the central heat and air systems because the local contractors sure as heck aren't gonna risk exposure to that stuff ... and also the sheetrock has to be replaced because that absorbs the hazardous materials as well. I can only assume at this point that the carpet/flooring would have to be stripped out and replaced according to the general laws of nature.
Since I don't have any local meth lab operators to consult in this matter and the police dept. isn't giving out a report, I have no idea what the legal parameters are before this structure can actually go up for sale on the market. It's like a small scale Superfund site.
Since the property and the nearby residents lucked out by it not actually experiencing an explosion ... I'm wondering if it makes more sense to simply buy the property (structure and acreage) and raze it and take out a construction loan and rebuild.
The realtors are claiming that hazmat came out in their little white suits and for two days cleaned out the property @ $10,000 a day.
Perhaps they just ozonated the duct system.
Since we're not environmental scientists or Hazmat or OSHA certified, we need some clarification on this issue.
Any assistance is appreciated!
I know nothing about meth labs, but it sounds like the route to go is raze and rebuild. However, I would suggest you contact your state environmental agency to see if you can get some guidance and information as to what may be necessary for a "clean" removal. You should also consult an attorney on this and on what, if any, disclosure requirements you have down the road.
I searched around on the net and this site seems to be full of information. Iowa is the meth capital of the world and I have also considered purchasing these properties but so far have steered clear.
http://www.kci.org/meth_info/meth_cleanup.htm
Quote:
On 2004-09-05 08:01, NancyChadwick wrote:
I know nothing about meth labs, but it sounds like the route to go is raze and rebuild. However, I would suggest you contact your state environmental agency to see if you can get some guidance and information as to what may be necessary for a "clean" removal. You should also consult an attorney on this and on what, if any, disclosure requirements you have down the road.
you also want to make sure the title is clean as well as some states permit the government to take the property that was insturmental in a crime. (the house was the lab). Also future liability of the negligence in the efforts to clean the house would be a concern. to a reseller
I have researched the Meth houses here in Washington and this is the procedure in our area.
The Health Dept. runs a test to determine the amount of contamination.
Notices are put out informing all people that it is illegal to enter building until it passes inspection.
The only people that can work on the clean up are licensed haz mat companies.
Depending on the contamination, they will start by scrubbing the sheet rock areas, counters, remove the flooring, clean heating and ductwork systems, and then they inspect again. If there is still contamination then they will dig in further and start removing sheet rock and floor sheeting, ect.
Some of these houses have only recently been meth houses others this has been going on for some time, so the amount of contamination will vary.
The cost here is around $120 per hr for clean up, you can count on at least $10k.
Once the clean up is complete and it passes inspection the property is ready to sell. I was informed by a top Broker in the area that he does not having a problem asking for full price on these properties once they are clean.
Most people shy away from these type of problems, but if you can deal with all of the process you will get these properties for substantial discounts!
Good Luck,
Robert
interesting niche.