FRANKFORT, Ky. -- State legislators in the last session beefed up a law that guides the cleanup of methamphetamine labs, reports the Louisville Courier-Journal in its Sunday edition.

The changes, which went into effect last week, also make it easier and cheaper for companies that clean up the toxic residue.

"This bill builds on the experience of the health departments and the Kentucky State Police and members of the public of the bill from the 2007 session," said state Rep. Tanya Pullin, D-South Shore, to the C-J.

Meth labs often contaminate their surroundings, and cleanup can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Some properties require expertise for the cleanup, rather than buckets of soap and water, experts say.

Lt. Phil Crumpton, a spokesman for state police, said law enforcement busted at least 161 meth labs between January and May, including six in Jefferson County. He said the state is on track to surpass the totals for the past two years, the newspaper reports.

The law passed in 2007 -- requiring certification of companies that perform remediation -- discouraged companies from applying because it required them to have a $50,000 performance bond, officials said.

At first, no companies applied for certification, but the state temporarily relaxed the requirement and the law could be amended. The state now has at least 15 certified contractors, reports the newspaper.

The new law institutes a tiered system that requires state police to classify the extent of contamination and the level of cleanup required.

Property owners are permitted to clean up their properties if they are classified to be in the first tier. The other three tiers require certified contractors to do the work and set various levels of financial backing the contractors must have, the C-J reports.

Other provisions of this year's bill include: Requiring owners who are selling residences to give prospective buyers written notice if the properties have been contaminated and have not been properly cleaned up. Law enforcement and health departments already were required to post notices on contaminated properties until they are cleaned up.

Requiring state officials to notify property owners of federal tax credits available to help with the cost of cleanup, reports the Louisville Courier-Journal.

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