TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - County officials say an Arizona mining company will pay a $230,000 settlement for violating air quality rules.
The Arizona Daily Star reports that Freeport McMoRan Inc. signed an agreement with Pima County on Monday that included $30,000 in civil penalties and $200,000 in community restitution.
Officials say the company was sent multiple violation notices after county officials noticed dust blowing from piles of leftover crushed rock from the mines about 142 miles (229 kilometers) south of Phoenix.
The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality says inhaled tailings dust could cause health problems in people with heart and lung disease or people with asthma.
Officials say the company spent more than $300,000 in neighborhood cleanup costs Wednesday in addition to the settlement after complaints from nearby residents.
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Information from: Arizona Daily Star, http://www.tucson.com
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