Two Colorado Libraries Close Due to Methamphetamine Contamination

What is going on in Colorado?

It used to be when you went to a public library, all you had to worry about was being forced to endure Drag Queen Story hour.

But now, Centennial State is giving the remaining library patrons something new to worry about. Two Colorado libraries recently closed to deal with the facilities being contaminated with methamphetamine.

The public library in Englewood, about seven miles south of downtown Denver, was closed last week, shortly after test results showed that its bathrooms, as well as some other surfaces, were contaminated with the drug, city officials said.Out of an “abundance of caution,” the city, which has a population of about 33,500, said it had decided to temporarily shutter the Englewood Public Library as well as a lobby and some restrooms in the nearby Englewood Civic Center, citing contamination.Shawn Lewis, the city manager, said in a statement that the test results were “troubling.” He said the city would immediately begin work to remediate the affected areas of the library, with the goal of reopening as soon as possible.“The health and safety of our staff, residents and patrons is of the utmost importance to all of us at the City of Englewood,” he said.

This development is coming hard on the heels of an Axios report indicating Boulder’s civic leaders are scrambling to address rising methamphetamine use in the area, which has spiked over the past 6 years and now is impacting public places, including its library.

The latest: A downtown Boulder transit station on Tuesday was forced to temporarily close its bathrooms and adjacent hallway after traces of meth were found.

What they’re saying: “No public restrooms will be available for a few weeks until a new system is in place where library staff and contract security staff can help monitor the bathrooms and deter unwanted behavior,” the city said in a statement

The clean-up will likely take some time to ensure full compliance with Colorado law.

Regardless of how unclear the science is on the risk of second-hand meth exposure to the public, robust cleanup is absolutely necessary under Colorado law.The regulations state that meth limits may not exceed 0.1 microgram. If a property owner finds that test results show that amount or higher, they must undergo decontamination efforts.The other option is to undergo “a full clearance sampling protocol” — essentially, more testing….There are specialized meth contamination cleanup specialists throughout the country. Each state, including Colorado, collects its own lists of these contractors who can take on this work.So far, Englewood said the remediation work will include getting rid of any contaminated surfaces, walls, HVAC ducts and exhaust fan equipment.

Sadly, it seems important centers of learning and culture of morphed into circuses and drug dens.

Tags: Colorado

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