From the Office of Utah Congressman Jim Matheson

MATHESON NEWS
Second Congressional District

For Further Information
Alyson Heyrend: (801) 455-5593 (cell)
www.house.gov/matheson

December 13, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Matheson Hails Passage of Meth Abuse Legislation

Sets Standards for Clean-up

Washington DC-Congressman Jim Matheson said today's passage of a methamphetamine abuse bill-HR 798-is an important step in the fight to combat the most prevalent drug crime facing Utah law enforcement.  Matheson-a member of the House Science Committee-is a cosponsor of the legislation.

Matheson said the measure focuses on a significant problem related to meth production-what standards does a hazardous materials team use when decontaminating a former site?  Often in residential settings, these "meth houses" are contaminated with methamphetamine remnants and other toxic residues associated with the drug's production, posing dangers to landlords, neighbors and law enforcement investigators.

"The most vulnerable population is children, who are exposed to the toxins if they reside in the house, or who move in following decontamination procedures," said Matheson. "This bill directs the EPA and the National Institute for Standards and Technology to develop the guidelines for cleanup crews as to what constitutes a safe environment."

Matheson said that the pollution associated with meth production often leaves environmental hazards both inside and outside the building, extending to the septic and water systems.  The legislation also requires EPA to study the toxic effects of disabling illegal meth labs.

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Alyson Heyrend
Communications Director
240 East Morris Ave. #235
South Salt Lake, UT 84115
(801) 486-1236 (phone)
(801) 455-5593 (cell)
(801) 486-1417 (fax)