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Residents in Cottonwood are concerned about black dust from a historic copper smelter slag pile, containing heavy metals like arsenic. Since 2015, Minerals Research Inc. has crushed the slag for industrial use, generating dust that has raised health concerns.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has faced scrutiny for permitting mistakes and safety oversight. Recent soil tests indicated arsenic levels above state remediation standards, prompting further investigation. ADEQ plans additional testing to assess the extent of contamination and potential health impacts on residents.