Freeport McMoRan To Pay For Air Quality Violations

Published: Monday, August 5, 2019 - 9:00am
Updated: Monday, August 5, 2019 - 9:03am
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An Arizona mining company will have to pay a hefty penalty for violating air quality rules. Freeport McMoRan will pay $230,000 for contributing to unhealthy air conditions.

The company’s agreement with Pima County includes $30,000 in civil penalties and $200,000 in community restitution.

County officials say they observed blowing dust from piles of leftover crushed rock from mines near Tucson.

That kind of dust poses risks for people with heart and lung disease or breathing issues, according to the Tuscon Department of Environmental Quality.

In addition to the settlement, Freeport McMoRan spent more than $300,000 in neighborhood cleanup due to complaints from residents.

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