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Cash Mine

Revised on: March 8, 2023 - 4:09pm

Location: 

Bradshaw Mountains, approximately 12 miles southeast of Prescott, south of Potato Patch community, Yavapai County

Date Discovered:

2019

Impaired Surface Waterbody:

Hassayampa River

Surface Water Quality Exceedances for Designated Uses:

  • Cadmium (aquatic and wildlife, coldwater)
  • Copper (aquatic and wildlife, coldwater)
  • Lead (aquatic and wildlife, coldwater and full body contact)
  • Selenium (aquatic and wildlife, coldwater)
  • Zinc (aquatic and wildlife, coldwater)

Affected Media:

  • Surface Water
  • Soil

What Are My Health Risks?

For Surface Water | Surface water quality standards are established to provide protection for a waterbody’s designated use(s) | Learn more >

ADEQ and AZGFD jointly publish fish consumption advisories | Learn more >

For Soil | There is little to no health risk unless there is contact with skin or ingestion of contaminated soil

For Groundwater | If you are connected to a Public Water System (PWS) there is little to no risk of impact from exceedances because the water is filtered through the PWS for residential and business use | View Drinking Water Notices >

If you have a private well in the vicinity of the exceedance, we encourage you to test the well water. Not sure what to test for? | Learn More >

For Mining Adits/Shafts | If you encounter a mining adit or shaft, do not enter it. The Arizona State Mine Inspector conducts inspections of legacy mines and implements safety measures | Learn more >

Site Summary:

  • Site was mined for gold, silver, and copper, with last production circa 1950
  • First surface water quality exceedance observed in 2019
  • ADEQ completed water quality study, called a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), for nearby Upper Hassayampa River in 2002
  • Cash Mine drainage identified as source of contamination in 2002 TMDL
  • Remedial investigation to begin in mid 2021
  • Site grid X-ray fluorescence (XRF) readings and physical soil sampling for leaching study completed (April 2021)
  • ADEQ collaborating with contractors and private landowners
  • Remediation contract awarded to Tetra Tech and remediation expected to be completed by Fall 2023

Surface Water Quality Standards found in Arizona Administrative Code, Title 18, Chapter 11