We expected to do a variety on sampling and testing, but actual testing focused on water, in shafts and pits and the risk from tailings, both from direct contact and the potential for heavy metal leaching. The hazard ratings from the inventory conducted by ASMI proved to be generally representative of the site's environmental threats. Their numerical hazard rating provided a good estimate of the relative problems of each site. This cost can be greatly reduced in the future by doing our own sampling with qualified employees. This typically includes air monitoring, nitrile gloves and plastic booties.
Most offices already have qualified employees to conduct sampling on low risk sites.
All that is needed is an amendment on their position description and approval from the State Director. In order to build a basis for a future AML reclamation program, most of the high risk sites will need to be sampled and tested. A summary and results of the Arizona Abandoned Mine Inventory Validation Project is attached. The AML inventory sheets have been included for those offices that had sites sampled. The Arizona State Mine Inspector Office through an Assistance Agreement has been inventorying abandoned mine and mill operations for the past four years.