Published: April 18, 2019 |

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[Click image to enlarge]

[Click image to enlarge]

The Mansfield Canyon environmental cleanup continues on the Nogales Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest.

The project has reached 50 percent completion.

The cleanup is an ongoing project to remove mining waste from three abandoned mines located within Mansfield Canyon. The goal is to prevent migration of waste rock materials containing lead and arsenic into the surrounding environment.

Construction of the Main Repository concluded the last week of February. Waste rock is currently being hauled from the abandoned mines to the repository for encapsulation.

Following the clean-up, the mine sites and repository will be re-seeded with native plants, shrubs and trees through a partnership with Borderlands Restoration, a local non-profit organization.

Heavy construction equipment is required for completion of the project. A Special Closure Order has been issued by Coronado National Forest, and access to Mansfield Canyon will remain closed to the public until June 1. The Arizona Trail has been temporarily rerouted for the duration of the project.

It is imperative the public stay clear of the area while the closure is in effect. Heavy machinery poses a safety threat to recreationists including hikers, off-road enthusiasts and hunters. Violation of the closure carries possible penalties of $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for organizations, six months imprisonment, or both.

Source: KOLD.com

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