At approximately 6:00 pm on 7/7/2009, US EPA Region 4 received a request for assistance for NC DENR to respond to a methamphetamine laboratory. The State Bureau of Investigation and Caswell County Sheriff's Department arrested a individual that was "cooking meth", growing marijuana and possessing many weapons at a residence located at 1614 Camp Spring Rd, Reidsville NC. The "meth lab" was located in a shed set apart from the residence. This type of "meth lab" is known as a "Red P" meth lab, one that uses red phosphorous and muriatic acid. A environmental contractor was hired by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to address the precursor material located in the shed. The DEA contract will not address the waste located outside the area of the lab. After searching the property the investigators located "meth lab" waste located in a outhouse. Kitty Litter and Salt are visible in the outhouse. It is suspected that kitty litter is used to filter phosgene in this type of lab. Hydrochloric Acid and Phosgene could potentially be present in the outhouse.
US EPA NC OSC arrived on scene at approximately 9:00 pm and conducted air monitoring using a Draeger CMS unit with Phosgene and Hydrochloric Acid Chips. The results were non-detect. The outhouse was taped off with "caution tape", EPA demobed for the night at approximately 10:30 pm.
This property is a "rental property", their is a child residing at the property. EPA was not able to make contact with the property owner. OSC will make contact w/NC DENR to determine future actions if necessary and will try to make contact with property owner the following morning.
