The Bureau of Land Management is moving forward with a project to clean up land west of Phoenix.

The project could mean more recreational opportunities for the public.

The area is southwest of the White Tank Mountains off Miller Road. It was once a popular shooting area, but was closed due to safety concerns.

The BLM has begun a cleanup of lead and other hazardous materials, and hopes to reopen the area in the future to a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and OHV use.

An upgraded target shooting area may also be in the works.

“We just want to create opportunities that are safe for everyone," said Leon Thomas, a spokesman for the BLM. "And we think that this cleanup here along with the building of the shooting sports sites is a good step in that direction.”

The BLM has hired a private firm for the cleanup.

The company is working with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and is currently analyzing the site.