PALATKA, Fla. (AP) — The northeast Florida town of Palatka has passed an ordinance regulating the cleanup of methamphetamine labs and other drug manufacturing sites.
The Palatka Daily News reports (http://bit.ly/111LY5H ) that commissioners unanimously approved the ordinance, which will require property owners decontaminate a residence where meth production occurred before it’s reoccupied.
Palatka Police Chief Gary Getchell says the cleanups of chemicals and harmful substances can cost several thousand dollars.
Getchell says harmful fumes from meth labs become enmeshed in carpets, wallpaper and other home areas.
The ordinance allows property owners to choose a licensed company to decontaminate it, and for the city to inspect it to protect future tenants.
