ADEQ has received a request from Freeport Minerals Corporation (FMC) for a determination of No Further Action (NFA), pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) 49-181(A), for portions of the property located 0.7 mile southwest of Jerome on State Highway 89A in Arizona.

The site is known as the Verde Central Mine Voluntary Remediation Program (VRP) Site. The site is a small inactive historical copper mine that operated for a short duration from 1928 to 1930. It is comprised of the following features:  a mine rock stockpile, miscellaneous residual mine materials from milling operations and the foundation of a former mill. 

The site is currently managed under the ADEQ VRP (Site Code 508483-00).  FMC sampled exposed mine rock, tailing, and mill wastes resulting from historical mining and analyzed the samples for metals and select organic compounds to assess whether the material poses an unacceptable risk to public health and the environment.  Also, FMC sampled and analyzed surface water in Hull Canyon Wash when it was flowing. Several metals were identified as contaminants of potential concern by comparing the analytical results to conservative benchmark screening levels assuming the land would be used for residential and nonresidential purposes and as ecological habitat. 

Regulatory closure of the site is based on a risk evaluation for the intended future property use.  Institutional controls will be placed on the property to prevent uses that would pose an unacceptable risk to human health.  Access to the site will be limited by a locked gate, fencing and No Trespassing signs. A Declaration of Environmental Use Restriction (DEUR) will be recorded for the property to prohibit residential and recreational use of those portions of the property where historical mining remnants exist, or approximately 6.7 acres of the site.

A determination of NFA means that no further action shall be taken by ADEQ to remediate or require remediation of the site or portion of the site covered by the no further action determination, except in limited circumstances described in statute | View A.R.S. 49-181(E) >

Review Documents & Site Page

Original Public Notice | View/Print > 
Request for No Further Action Determination Letter | View >
Site Characterization Report | View >
Site Characterization Report (Errata Sheet) | View > 

Verde Central Mine VRP Site Overview | View >

You may also review the above documentation at the ADEQ Record Center | Learn How >

Public Comment Period

Dates: June 28, 2020 – Aug. 17, 2020

Comments may be submitted by mail or email to one of the following (Must be postmarked or received by Aug. 17, 2020):

       Joey Pace | Send Email >
       ADEQ Voluntary Remediation Program
       1110 W. Washington St.
       Phoenix, AZ 85007

       or

       Jennifer Laggan | Send Email >
       Freeport Minerals Corporation
       333 N. Central Ave.
       Phoenix, AZ 85004