Project Description and Purpose

Project Description:

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) tasked Southwest Sites Consulting to conduct a Preliminary Assessment/ Site Inspection (PA/SI) of Black Rock Wash located just south of Red Cloud Mine in Arizona’s La Paz County. The Red Cloud Mine has been in operation since 1878 and has been used to mine silver, lead, and wulfenite, a gem made of lead and molybdenum. During the many years of mining, ore tailings were consolidated in a tailings pond located south of the mine site. The main contaminant of concern (COC) located in the tailings pond is lead, which will be expanded upon in this report, with regard to its level, extent of migration, and associated risk to human health, flora, and fauna.

Location of Red Cloud Mine

Project Purpose:

The public uses this BLM land, where Black Rock Wash is located, and tailings continue to disperse and migrate in the area. These tailings and possible contaminants pose a threat to the safety and health of humans, the environment, and other flora and fauna. Based on the sampling results obtained, Southwest Sites has evaluated potential contaminant exposure to recreational users (hikers, campers, off-highway vehicle users) and mine personnel. The BLM will use this information and take any necessary steps towards containing further contamination.

Last Updated: 5/6/16