General Information for Illegal Drug Lab (Meth Lab) Properties in Denver
For information or to schedule access to vacated meth lab properties, please contact 3-1-1.
DEQ provides environmental oversight for illegal drug labs that are discovered in Denver, and ensures that the sites are appropriately remediated to meet the standards that have been established by Colorado regulation.
The Denver Department of Environmental Health responds to Meth Lab properties typically after they have been identified by the Denver Police Department.
Denver Department of Environmental Health (DEH) requirements:
- Residential units must be vacated as unfit for human habitation and access is prohibited - Chapter 27-23(1-2) DRMC and Chapter 37-6 DRMC
- Non-residential structures/vehicles may be placarded as imminent hazards with a Prohibition of Access – Chapter 37-6 DRMC
- Property Access is Restricted
- DEH controls access until property is released.
- Access is only granted to qualified remediation or testing companies that are hired by the property owner/tenant
- Personal property must be tested to show clean, or be disposed in compliance with State regulations
- Workplans (including a Health & Safety Plan) must be submitted to and reviewed by DEH before work can begin
- Property cleanups must be conducted following Colorado’s “Regulations Pertaining to the Cleanup of Methamphetamine Laboratories” (6 CCR 1014-3) and Colorado statute.
- Sampling and cleanup protocols are specified
- Testing must be performed by an industrial hygienist
- A final report must be submitted to DEH
- DEH performs final inspection and removes placard