When a meth lab is discovered, the local law enforcement agency is responsible for making any arrests and seizing the lab. Evidence is removed from the site, and chemical hazard consultants are brought in by law enforcement to remove containers of hazardous chemicals related to the operation of the meth lab, but not needed as evidence. Law enforcement may call child protective services if children are involved.
Law enforcement officials will also place a Notice of Removal placard on the premises, warning that an illegal clandestine laboratory was found and removed from the property, and the property is quarantined until it has been investigated for residual contamination and, if necessary, remediated by a certified Clandestine Laboratory Remediation Contractor. It is illegal for anyone other than the property owner, his or her certified cleanup contractor, law enforcement officers, or DEQ inspectors to enter or occupy the premises until such investigation and cleanup has been completed.
Following their investigation, law enforcement officers will complete and submit the El Paso Information Center (EPIC) report form and provide a copy to the Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC). ACIC will in turn provide appropriate portions of the EPIC report to DEQ. Upon receipt of this report, DEQ will list the property on its web-based List of Methamphetamine-Contaminated Properties.
