The Pinal Valley Soil Program works closely with property owners to ensure clear communication and support at every stage.

The Freeport-McMoRan Miami Inc. (FMMI), Miami facility, part of the historic Globe-Miami mining district in Gila County, Arizona, consists of an open-pit copper mine, leaching and extraction operations, the Miami Smelter, and a rod mill. The Miami Smelter processes copper ore and has been owned by several entities since 1915. FMMI is the current smelter operator. Because the smelter operated in an era before emission control equipment was commonly used, historical air emissions from the smelter may have deposited metal-bearing particles on nearby soils. FMMI has elected to initiate the Pinal Valley Soil Program (PVSP), with oversight from the Voluntary Remediation Program within the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), to investigate potential smelter-related impacts in the vicinity of the Miami Smelter.

The PVSP will offer soil testing and, if necessary, remediation in the PVSP study area, which is free of charge for developed residential, commercial and public properties in the area shown on the attached map (“eligible properties”). Undeveloped properties within this area that have an approved development plan will also be eligible for sampling and remediation, if necessary. Property owner participation in the program is strictly voluntary, and the program is being made available at no cost to the community.

Soil testing will determine the concentrations of metals (arsenic, lead and copper) in soil at eligible properties that participate in the PVSP. Property owners whose soil exceeds levels established by ADEQ will have an opportunity to request that their soil be replaced and their landscaping restored free of charge.