Who We Are - Overview

28 June 2001
What's Cookin' in the Woods?
What You Should Know About Meth Labs Before You Hit the Trail

What:
As pressure from law enforcement pushes illegal drug labs outside city limits, more meth labs and dump sites are turning up on remote public land. The chance of encountering one is small, but the sites are loaded with toxic and flammable materials, which are dangerous to plants, animals, and people. State Park and U.S. Forest Service officials, and health experts will explain the hazards, and how to stay safe.

Why:

	One meth lab found in Ramona last year resulted in 35 dump sites, some in the Cleveland National Forest
	488 meth labs and dumpsites found last year in national forests
	Campers, hikers, mountain bikers and other back-country visitors can be exposed to toxic chemicals
	Meth lab “leftovers” kill plants and animals, polluting streams and wells
	Meth labs and dump sites are loaded with flammable chemicals, which can start brushfires

When:
Tuesday, July 3, 2001, 10:30 AM

Where:
I-8 Viewpoint near Alpine, one mile east of East Willows Road
Thomas Brothers Page 1235 E-5

Who:

	Dianne Jacob, San Diego County Supervisor, District 2
	Rita Plair-Wears, Patrol Supervisor, U.S. Forest Service
	Curtis Itogawa, Superintendent, Ocotillo Wells Recreation Area
	Kelly Zombro, California Department of Forestry Battalion Chief
	Michael Handman, County Environmental Health Services
	State and Federal Law Enforcement Officials

Visuals:
Photos of East County meth lab and dump sites
Meth lab mockup
Equipment used by cleanup specialists