Meth-lab cleanups down second year in a row.

The number of methamphetamine drug labs reported in Washington state in 2003 decreased for the second year in a row, reversing an upward trend that began in 1995. The Department of Ecology received reports of 1,480 sites last year, a 12.5 percent decrease from 2002, when 1,693 sites were found. In the highest-volume counties - Pierce, King, Snohomish, and Thurston - only Pierce and Snohomish increased their numbers in 2003. Ferry, San Juan and Whitman had no drug labs reported at all, and Garfield, Klickitat and Okanogan reported only one each. In all, 24 counties showed declines in 2003, and 11 counties increased their numbers. Spokane County reported the largest decrease in 2003, with 91 drug labs in 2003 compared to 189 in 2002.

Anyone who comes across meth-lab waste should leave the area immediately and contact the local police or sheriff's department. Ecology's Byers noted that cleaning up meth labs costs the state two million dollars each year, but the cleanup staff have identified ways to save money. By consolidating waste, they significantly reduced the disposal cost of meth waste in the last few years from more than $11,000 per lab site to about $750.

Mary-Ellen Voss, Department of Ecology, Public Information Officer Phone 360-407-7211, pager 360-956-8296 Ecology's Spills Program: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/spills/spills.html

TOP SIX COUNTIES
In 2003

For a complete list of meth labs reported by county
Department of Ecology -2003

Department of Ecology 2002  county lab counts
Department of Ecology 2001  county lab counts
Department of Ecology 2000  county lab counts
Department of Ecology 1999  county lab counts