Initial Assessment of Water Resources in Cobre Valley,

Introduction 2 Overview of Cobre Valley 3 CLIMATE 3 TOPOGRAPHY 3 GROUNDWATER 3 SURFACE WATER 4 POPULATION 5 ECONOMY 7 POLLUTION AND CONTAMINATION 8 Status of Municipal Water Resources 10 GLOBE, AZ 10 MIAMI, AZ 12 TRI-CITIES (CLAYPOOL, CENTRAL HEIGHTS, MIDLAND CITY) AND UNINCORPORATED AREAS 15 Water Resources Uncertainty and Potential 18 INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING 18 SUSTAINABLE WELLFIELDS AND ALTERNATIVE WATER SUPPLIES 19 PRIVATE WELL WATER SUPPLY AND WATER QUALITY 20 PUBLIC EDUCATION 20 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES 21 References 23 Appendices 25 1. ARIZONA WATER COMPANY VS CITY OF GLOBE LAWSUIT 25 2. AGENT ORANGE APPLICATION IN THE 1960s 26 3. INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES IN THE CITY OF GLOBE 27

Initial Assessment of Water Resources in Cobre Valley, Arizona 1

Introduction

This initial assessment of water resources in the Cobre Valley provides a snapshot of available data and resources on various water-related topics from all known sources. This report is the first step in determining where data are lacking and what further investigation may be necessary for community planning and resource development purposes. The research has been driven by two primary questions: 1) What information and resources currently exist on water resources in Cobre Valley and 2) what further research is necessary to provide valuable and accurate information so that community members and decision makers can reach their long-term water resource management goals? Areas of investigation include: water supply, water quality, drought and floods, economic factors, and water-dependent environmental values.

Research for this report was conducted through the systematic collection of data and information from numerous local, state, and federal sources. To ensure that community knowledge and values were also incorporated, interviews were carried out with community leaders, water managers, and others about their short and long-term water-related concerns for the area. Through this and further investigation, questions and concerns of local water managers, business leaders, and residents can be better addressed. Discussions with local community members revealed common questions and concerns related to quality of public and private water supplies, water quantity reliability, and the economic impact of outdated water infrastructure and chemically and hydrologically impaired surface water and groundwater systems throughout the valley. This report addresses those questions with best available data and can serve as the basis for educational and outreach materials or presentations.

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Overview of Cobre Valley

CLIMATE The climate in the region is mild and semi-arid, characterized by hot summers and moderate to warm winters. Due to the higher elevation in Globe-Miami, at ~3500 ft., precipitation rates are typically higher and temperatures typically lower than the nearby, non-mountainous regions. Average annual temperatures include highs of 76°F and lows of 47°F (yearly avg. 61.4°F) compared to Phoenix with average highs of 87°F and lows of 63°F (yearly avg. 75.1°F) (usclimatedata.com). Surface water temperatures average 59.3°F compared to a state average of 59.9°F. Precipitation averages 17.0 in/yr, compared to an Arizona average of 12.4 in/yr and Phoenix average of 8.0 in/yr (at elevation ~1000 ft.). Typical of Arizona, precipitation has a bi- modal pattern, with precipitation peaks in both the winter and summer. The area receives a greater fraction of precipitation during the winter months, with only 37% of annual precipitation received during the summer monsoon months from July-September (ADWR, 2009).

TOPOGRAPHY Topography is typical of the basin and range physiographic province. North to northwestward trending mountain ranges surround the alluvial basins. The in the south of the basin reach a maximum height of 7,848 ft. at . The communities of Globe-Miami are located at ~3,500 ft., with the lowest point in the basin at Roosevelt Lake (~2,000 ft.).

GROUNDWATER The primary water source in the Cobre Valley is groundwater, with the main users being mining companies and the communities of Globe and Miami. There are two principal aquifers in the valley: the shallow alluvium and basin fill aquifer, and the regional Gila Conglomerate aquifer composed of semi-consolidated to consolidated basin-fill sediments. Historical activities have generated localized contamination resulting in acid-metal bearing water in the top 30 ft. of the alluvium filled surficial aquifer. As the Gila Conglomerate is a low permeability layer, high in calcium carbonates, the subsurface layer neutralizes acidic waters and acts as an aquitard, preventing significant water exchange between the surface aquifer and Gila Conglomerate aquifer below (ADEQ, 2017). As a result, the Gila Conglomerate aquifer provides most of the area’s domestic and industrial water supply. A localized limestone aquifer also supplies water to the Globe-Miami area, and west of Globe several small basin-fill deposits form isolated groundwater aquifers (ADWR, 1992).

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SURFACE WATER The Cobre Valley is made up of the Pinal Creek and Pinto Creek basins that flow northward through mining properties and the incorporated and unincorporated communities of the valley. The creeks flow to the , just prior to its entering Roosevelt Lake (Figure 1). Surface water in the basin is mostly ephemeral, occurring only in response to precipitation events.

PINTO CREEK Pinto Creek is an intermittent stream system with ephemeral and perennial reaches. The Pinto Creek basin drains an area of about 178 mi2 in Gila and Pinal Counties. The creek flows approximately 32 miles northward and discharges into the of Lake Roosevelt (Figure 1). Due to historical mining activities in the area, the creek violates the Clean Water Act for dissolved concentrations. Additional information can be found in the Cobre Valley-Pollution/Contamination section.

Figure 1 - Pinto Creek watershed (in green) in relation to the communities of Globe-Miami. Section of creek impaired for elevated copper concentrations highlighted in red (ADWR, 2007).

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PINAL CREEK The Pinal Creek hydrogeology is a typical basin and range structure with northwest-trending ranges of igneous and metamorphic rocks separated by a valley that is filled with alluvial deposits. The creek catchment area (172 mi2), is constrained by the Pinal Mountains to the south, Peaks to the northeast, and Globe Hills to the east (Figure 2). Small tributaries (i.e., Sixshooter Canyon, Icehouse Canyon, Kellner Canyon) make up the headwaters of the system in the south, with additional source waters entering the system further north (i.e., Nugget Wash, Negro Wash, Wood Springs Wash). Miami Wash is a major tributary that flows northward into Pinal Creek about half way through its run to the Salt River. Miami Wash is formed by Russell Gulch, Bloody Tanks Wash, and (historically) Webster Gulch. Webster Lake use to feed into Webster Gulch but the system is now dry.

Ephemeral flows are present in the Figure 2 - Pinal Creek basin (USGS, 1994). Ephemeral southern portion of the basin and a flows originate from headwaters in the Pinal Mountain perennial stream emerges in the to the south. Confluence of flows from major tributaries north end of the channel where the (Bloody Tanks Wash, Russell Gulch, and Miami Wash) groundwater table intersects the occurs near the municipalities of Globe-Miami. Flows surface due to a truncation of the alluvial and Gila Conglomerate aquifers bedrock. This flow is present in the northern 5.5 km of the basin (ADEQ, 2017). Historically effluent was discharged to the creek, making it the only effluent dependent system in the Salt River Basin. Effluent is no longer discharged to the creek, as it used for other purposes described in the “Status of Municipal Water Resources” section.

POPULATION The Cobre Valley is located in Gila County, east of Phoenix in central Arizona, and is part of what is known as the “Copper Corridor.” Land ownership in Gila county is primarily under Bureau of Land Management (BLM), state, and tribal control, with only 4% of land privately owned. Communities include Globe, Miami, Claypool, Central Heights, and other

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unincorporated areas. Nearby towns, such as Winkelman and Hayden, are also within the Copper Corridor, but as these communities fall on the opposite side of the Pinal Mountains, they are not included in this basin focused report.

Globe was the first official municipality founded in the area in 1876. The area was originally known for its mines. During this time, creeks in the region often ran year-round. As mining production increased, the Town of Miami was founded in 1910 (WRRC, 2016).

There are ~13,000 residents in the area. According to predictions of population to 2030 growth is not expected to be substantial in the area (Table 1). If predictions hold true, water usage from residential properties will not increase significantly in the next 15 years. If growth does occur, it is expected to take place north of the city of Globe.

Table 1 - Cobre Valley Population: Historical and Future Projections (Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, 2017)

Year Community 1990 2000 2013 2030 Globe 6062 7486 7404 8614 Miami 2018 1936 1794 2100 Central Heights/ 2969 2694 2534 - Midland City Claypool 1942 1794 1538 -

Total 12991 13910 13270 -

Categories of stakeholders, either directly or indirectly involved in water resource management and uses, are identified in Table 2 and will be later used for a stakeholder mapping exercise and identifying project partners. Additional information on how these stakeholder groups have and can impact the quality, quantity, and cost of water resources is included in Section 2: Status of Municipal Water Resources and Section 3: Water Resources Uncertainty and Potential.

Table 2 – Stakeholder groupings considered for future mapping exercise.

Key Player Role Contacts Public Major users and consumers; parties interested in Local residents alternative water usage practices (i.e., gardeners, environmentalists, revitalization and sustainability advocates); local K-12 schools Local Municipality City of Globe and Town of Miami address Globe Public works director infrastructure issues, treating and disposing of (Jerry Barnes) wastewater, and have interest in improved well- Miami Town Manager (Joe being for residents and visitors Heatherly) State Government Regulate private utilities, rates, rate changes; Arizona Corporation surface and groundwater data collection; Commission; Central AZ Assoc.

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ADWR Statewide Drought Program; municipal of Governments (CAAG); and environmental regulation enforcement ADWR; ADEQ Federal Government BOR Mission to “manage, develop and protect Bureau of Reclamation (BOR); water and related resources in an Bureau of Land Management environmentally and economically sound (BLM); USFS manner in the interest of the American Public”; BLM and USFS own and manage much of the land in the area Tribal communities As the City of Globe and the San Carlos San Carlos Apache tribal Apache tribe share water resources, decisions representative from one group will directly impact the other County Extension Gila Co. Extension is a strong advocate for Chris Jones; 4-H agents; public water capture and reuse, environmental awareness volunteers supported restoration, and green stormwater management by Extension Industry (Mining Land and water divisions for mining entities are Bryce Mars (FMI); additional Companies) involved in a number of water issues in the mining company contacts. region (e.g., remediation of Pinal Creek aquifer; revegetation of tailings piles; re-use of wastewater from Globe and Miami) Agriculture Local ranchers and farmers Donna Griffot (Harrington Ranch in mine owned land in the Apache Peaks); Terry Wheeler (Farm owner) Academic U of A Soil, Water, Researcher awarded 4 year, $2.6 million NSF Mónica Ramírez-Andreotta and Environmental Grant to study local water sources, soil, and (Assistant Professor) Science Dept. food quality for chemical and microbial contamination. One of four sites selected for research is the Globe-Miami community Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin West involved in a 4-year project to Jason Donofrio (Director of School of Architecture help plan for town revitalization and economic Development) stimulation (2016-2019) Non-profits Miami Genesis Group Town council economic development sub- Susan Hansen (Co-chair); Darrel committee (to 501-c3 nonprofit) involved in Dalley (Co-chair); Rosemary community revitalization projects (i.e., clean Castaneda (Co-chair); Kip ups of Miami Wash and Pinal Creek; building Culver (Globe Main St. program) murals; flowers and planters on bridges; Old Depot and rail line revival; Bloody Tanks river walk); interested in revitalization of Bloody Tanks Wash in Downtown Miami Other Cobre Valley Arts and Restoration movement; Multiple contacts being reviewed Citizens Water Advocacy Group; ADWR Rural Watershed Group Initiative Program; Synthesis III; Friends of Pinto Creek; Local drought impact groups (LDIGs)

ECONOMY The region is heavily dependent on the mining industry. Since 1878 copper and silver have been mined in the basin. Extraction was initially conducted using underground mining techniques,

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until ~1948 when open-pit mining became widely utilized. The mines have benefitted from the natural valley features and used them as large containment basins to hold fill and mine tailings. Mining interests have heavily sampled the area for geologic conditions, in some locations up to 5,000 ft. bls (Personal communication: Bob Zache, 2016). Growth and decline of the industry, and the local economy, is strongly tied to global copper market prices.

Specific figures on employment and economic impact of the mining industry, other local companies, and municipalities are under review and are to be presented in the next interim report. Additionally, information will be provided on the economic impact of cultural and ecological based tourism and the outdoor recreation industry.

Mineral extraction, refining, and processing requires substantial amounts of water. Currently water is supplied by private groundwater wells and treated wastewater effluent from the municipalities of Globe and Miami.

POLLUTION AND CONTAMINATION Through human actions affiliated with development, waste disposal, mining, and other industrial activities, releases of contaminants and hazardous substances have occurred at various places throughout the valley. Contaminant sources and transport are from erosion and storm water runoff of mining waste and tailings piles (Figure 3), process solution impoundments, leach dumps, and spills, and from wind-blown tailings and copper smelters. Particulate fallout has increased the spread of contamination throughout the area. The most significant contamination has occurred in the alluvial aquifer along Pinal Creek and Miami Wash, which contains elevated concentrations of sulfate and metals. Drinking water standards for cadmium, chromium, fluoride, lead, other metals, and total dissolved solids (TDS) have been equaled or exceeded in a number of wells in the area. Exposure to contaminants can occur from the consumption of contaminated groundwater or surface water or from the inhalation of contaminated soil particles. Figure 3 - Tailings pile at Henderson Ranch Mines (ADWR, 2007). Exposure to human and household waste can also occur due to the presence of malfunctioning waste disposal systems that includes cesspools and dysfunctional septic tanks. Prior to the 1970s there were few to no regulations of on-site human waste disposal, and much of the unincorporated area still disposes of waste using these methods. In the 1990s, regulations were updated to limit new cesspool construction, but septic regulations were still quite lax. Following the passage of additional legislation in 2001, state septic regulations required 13 standards for newly installed systems (e.g., not located outside of property boundary; no surface ponding or pooling of waste; etc.) (Personal communication: Bob Zache).

Additional contamination has occurred through industrial activities (i.e., APS Globe Manufactured Gas Plant that contaminated regional sites with hydrocarbons, cyanide, arsenic,

Initial Assessment of Water Resources in Cobre Valley, Arizona 8 and lead), and improper waste disposal practices. These have occurred through unlined or poorly designed underground storage tanks for commercial, industrial, and residential waste products and resulted in soil and water contamination throughout the valley (Table 3).

Table 3 - Soil and water contamination sources/sites in the Cobre Valley

Pollution Source/Site Contaminant Information Pinal Creek WQARF site Metals, radionuclides, TDS, Information in Pinal Creek contamination acidity section under review

Pinto Creek Copper Information in Pinto Creek contamination section under review

APS Globe Manufactured Hydrocarbons, cyanide, Historical industrial activities contaminated Gas Plant arsenic, lead nearby soils and aquifers Leaking underground Pathogens, household 143 total in the planning area; 31 known storage tanks (LUSTs) chemicals LUSTs near Globe Cesspools & Failing Pathogens, household See Tri-Cities wastewater section Septic Systems chemicals Agent Orange application Silvex (commonly called See Appendix B for more information in Kellner and Icehouse “Agent Orange”) is a Canyons in the 1960s mixture of two herbicides 2,4,5-T and 2,4-D; breaks down into dioxin containing compounds

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Status of Municipal Water Resources

This section summarizes the history and current state of municipal water supplies and wastewater treatment in the Cobre Valley. The information is separated into three primary regions: (A) Globe, (B) Miami, and (C) the Tri-Cities (Claypool, Midland Heights, Central Heights) and unincorporated areas between Globe and Miami. For each region, the current state of water supplies/drinking water and wastewater is summarized, along with other relevant details specific to each area.

GLOBE, AZ Over time, numerous changes have occurred to water source supplies for Globe. The first municipal water supplier, the City of Globe Municipal Water System, was established in 1912 and supplied water to residents until the 1950s from wells at the intersection of Ice House Road and Six Shooter Canyon. From 1931 to 1956 water was also provided by the Old Dominion Mine. Water was also collected by residents from the Pinal Creek. The need for water grew, and as former Globe mayor Stan Gibson stated, “The city would call for a moratorium on watering yards and washing cars. The only water source was Pinal Creek and the Old Dominion Mine. The city had to really scramble to try to find a source of water” (Walker, 2015).

To address the need for increased supplies, in 1957 new wells were placed close to the San Carlos Apache Reservation to pull water from the upper edge of Cutter Basin (located within the Safford Basin). This aquifer has been the primary water source from the 1950s to the present. (Walker, 2015). The city currently provides water to downtown Globe, Alhambra, Crestline, Skyline, Icehouse, Sixshooter, and Kellner Canyons, up to the prison and Globe mobile home park on Highway 60. It serves approximately 3,565 customers with 362 million gallons of water per year (Walker, 2015). Two-thirds of demand is for residential properties, with the remaining third for non-residential users.

WATER SUPPLY AND DRINKING WATER The City of Globe is in an area of relatively high water yield from its basin-fill deposits north of the city. Near Globe, groundwater is found in relatively low yield sedimentary rocks. Studies conducted on the sustainability of water supplies for the region have determined that the area has an “adequate water supply” (ADWR, 2009). (Source: Clear Creek Associates aquifer study for Resolution Mines; TetraTech aquifer study for the city of Globe). Given this designation, if a subdivision is served by the City of Globe it does not need a separate water adequacy determination (ADWR, 2009).

City water regularly meets the required specifications of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The most commonly exceeded drinking water standard was cadmium, although other metals and fluoride concentrations were also elevated at measured wells (ADWR, 2009). North of the wellfield, aquifers have been found to be high in arsenic (As), fluoride (F-), and total dissolved solids.

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Total depth of the Cutter Basin aquifer is uncertain, but may be more than 1600 ft. Six active production wells are currently placed in the basin. Wells in the Cutter Basin, located east of the city abutting San Carlos Apache tribal lands, are cased down to 1100-1200 ft. and, depending on location, the water table is typically between 650-850 ft. bls. Other wells in the area can be as little as 40 ft. bls (City of Globe 2005, from ADWR, 2009). Well No. 1 was drilled in 1957 (60 years old), followed by 5 additional wells; the most recent being drilled in 2009. Most wells produce between 450-480 gpm, with the city hall well typically producing between 200-300 gpm. Pumping rates are limited to 2,500 AF from the aquifer in accordance with legal agreements with the San Carlos Apache Tribe. In 2016, Globe’s average pumping in the wellfield was about 1,600-1,800 AFA (Personal communication: Globe Public Works, 2016; Jones, 2016). In general, well yields are low in the southeast part of the sub-basin near Globe, and higher north of Globe.

Pumping has dropped well depths significantly. Water levels fell from 900 ft. bls to more than 1100 ft. bls in some areas. In Well #4 groundwater depth dropped from 563 ft. bls (1990) to 688 ft. (2013), an average drop of 5.4 feet per year. Well #3 was the top producing well in the basin when it was originally drilled to 1,150 ft., but has dropped 274 ft. from 1974 to 2008. The static water level in the well dropped 55 ft. from 1993 to 1996 alone! (Stan Gibson, City of Globe data source, from Walker, 2015). Due to these declines, feasibility studies on alternative water supplies are ongoing.

The Cobre Valley Country Club and 9-hole golf course is also located in the area and uses 210 AFA. Irrigation water for this property is supplied by private groundwater wells (ADWR, 2008c).

Many upgrades have been conducted and are ongoing to improve infrastructure and water usage efficiency. In 2003, the City of Globe contracted TetraTech to develop a Water Master Plan. The plan helped identify over $5 million in water supply projects that would improve water use efficiency and quality. Infrastructure improvement work is ongoing and is primarily funded through a USDA-WIFA grant for $5.5 million. The loan structure is very beneficial to the municipality, as $3 million of the loan is considered “forgivable.” The work is following a short-range Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which identifies key projects and equipment purchases necessary to achieve goals in a timely manner. Upgrades are taking place in three phases, based on project importance, impact, and location. For specifics on projects being conducted see Appendix C.

WASTEWATER The city of Globe operates a 1.2 million gallon per day (MGD) oxidation ditch wastewater treatment facility located along Pinal Creek Road. Incoming wastewater is received from downtown Globe, Crestline, Skyline, the Pioneer Hills, and Fry’s Grocery. The facility has been at the same location since the 1970s, but has been upgraded over the years. Currently, nearly all city residents’ sewage is collected by the City of Globe, with only a few properties (~20) still on individual septic systems.

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In 1983, the city signed a contract with Inspiration Copper (now FMI) to discharge the 600,000 gpd of effluent into Pinal Creek, creating on the only effluent dependent systems in the basin (Walker, 2015; Personal communication: Globe Public Works, 2016). Since this original deal, a new 30-year agreement has been made where FMI takes 500 AF (163 MG), of the total 700 AF (228 MG), of effluent generated each year. FMI now uses the effluent for groundwater injection and reclamation purposes. As of August 2016, the city operates a used belt press from the city of Buckeye, to generate dewatered, Class B biosolids that are then landfilled.

MIAMI, AZ The Town of Miami is a classic copper boom town to the west of Globe, AZ, which contributes to a strong public interest in: 1) the amount of water that mining uses in the area, and 2) how mining impacts water quality. While copper mining still accounts for the largest number of jobs in Miami, there is an interested and active arts community established in more recent years. The Bullion Plaza Cultural Center & Museum is a gathering spot for the community with regular public events scheduled monthly or by reservation on a variety of topics. The downtown has been partially renovated with more investment possible after the Taliesin Project is completed in 2019, which raised $785,000 from the Globe Miami community. With an emphasis on resilience, it is possible that some of the design concepts will incorporate water efficiency into the existing building structures on a site-by-site basis.

WATER SUPPLY AND DRINKING WATER Town of Miami residents have had their water provided by the Arizona Water Company (AWC) since 1955, when the newly formed company purchased the water distribution system from Arizona Public Service. In case of system failure Globe and AWC have a two- way emergency interconnection where resources are available to be shared between communities.

AWC pumps local groundwater from 17 wells throughout the Miami area (ADWR, 2009). Some of these wells date back over 40 years. The majority of the system is gravity-fed, flowing downhill to various areas of Miami, Claypool, Central Heights, Russell Road, parts of Globe, and near Kellner Canyon and Highway 188. In 2006, well levels range between 109 and 860 bls (Arizona Water Company, 2007).

AWC has approximately 2,921 customers using 303 million gallons per year (Walker, 2015). About 87% of customer connections are for residences (ADWR, 2009). According to the company president, Bill Garfield, levels in Miami wells have not changed much in 12 years with no current need to drill new wells (Walker, 2015).

WASTEWATER In 2015, former Miami public works director, Wes Sukosky, noted that “the town’s sewer system has been deemed one of the worst in the nation, because the town is currently relying on a 100-year old sewer system that ran throughout Miami when it was laid out much differently than it is today” (Walker, 2015). With poor records on historical changes to the system, public works employees come across uncovered manholes that the town didn’t even

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know about (Personal communication: Heatherly). Currently there are no septic or cesspool systems in the service area.

Additional infrastructure problems are related to cracked and leaking pipes that allow storm water to enter. This can be a major issue, resulting in higher inflows to the wastewater treatment plant and higher costs to the municipality. Flows can increase up to 2-3 fold during a storm event, increasing typical inflows of 190k-220k gallons/day to over 600k gallons/day. The problem is currently being addressed using either full pipe replacement or a process known as ‘cured-in-place-piping’ (CIPP) to seal leaking pipes (Personal communication: Heatherly, 2017).

To address these issues, in 2007 the town began a project to revamp the sewer system for an estimated cost of $6 24 million. This debt was taken as a low interest (80:20) USDA grant- loan deal to be paid back over 40 years. Average sewer rates increased from $26-$47/month (historically) to $60-98/month (currently). In the past many sewer rates were subsidized by the mining companies.

Much of this funding is being used to address the 45,000 to 50,000 ft. of sewer line in the area (located 12 to 16 ft. bls). To date ~50% of the pipe retrofit is complete, including a main line replacement from the WWTP to far end of town and installation of a septic receiving station. The main line begins at Mackey’s Camp, where 3”-4” lateral pipes connect sewage from houses to the main pipes running beneath Highway 60. The total distance of the piping, from the end of Miami to where the sewage is lifted (at the “lift station”) 75 feet to the treatment plant is ~2 miles. Project completion is scheduled for 2019 (Personal communication: Heatherly, 2017).

The wastewater is pumped to the recently constructed oxidation wastewater treatment plant, located at the base of the No. 3 Tailings Pile, adjacent to Miami Wash (Figure 4). Built in 2011-2012, and funded by FMI, the plant follows typical treatment procedures that separate solids from liquids, reduce biological contaminants and degradable organic matter, and disinfects the water. The plant has a maximum treatment capacity of 620,000 gallons/day, and typically produces 190,000 to 275,000 gallons per day of very high quality treated wastewater, known as A+ quality effluent. Sludge or biosolids are currently disposed of in the local Figure 4 - Raw sewage treatment through oxidation landfill at a cost to the city of $37 process at Miami wastewater treatment plant (Photo per ton. credit: Wes Sukosky; Walker, 2015).

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As FMI provided the $24 6 million in funding and technical assistance to build the new treatment plant, an agreement was made that they would be entitled to the majority of the high-quality effluent produced. Asides from a small portion (12 million gallons per year) injected into the Kiser Basin to improve recovery of the upstream aquifer/wellfield., FMI receives ~60 million gallons per year of A+ effluent from the plant. Historically, effluent was discharged into surface water or groundwater systems. Currently, the water is pumped back to the mining properties and used for industrial and remediation purposes. When excess effluent is present it is sent to a holding pond near the plant.

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TRI-CITIES (CLAYPOOL, CENTRAL HEIGHTS, MIDLAND CITY) AND UNINCORPORATED AREAS The area described as the “Tri-Cities” and unincorporated areas that lie between Globe and Miami includes the communities of Claypool, Central Heights, Midland City, Lower Miami, Miami Gardens, Country Club Manor, Little Acres, and Bechtel Tract. The area is approximately 5.54 mi2, with a population of ~4,000-5,700 people or ~2,000 residences.

WATER SUPPLY AND DRINKING WATER Depending on location, water is supplied from either Arizona Water Co., the City of Globe (10%), or private wells (90%). Additional supplies may come from other providers, such as Canyon Water Co. that provides water to Icehouse Canyon, Six Year Canyon, and other nearby properties. (Personal communication: Jones, 2016).

Private well owners should make sure water quality is good, as the surficial aquifer (~top 20 ft.) is contaminated with metals and acids. As well owners are typically aware of this historic problem, wells are drilled through the confining Gila Conglomerate layer (next ~30 ft) to the clean lower aquifer. Pumping rates can be low (e.g., 15 gpm) (Personal communication, Zache, 2016).

As some properties reliant on City of Globe or AWC supplies can be near the end of the distribution lines, there can be issues with insufficient water volume or pressure in the lines. This can result in insufficient pressure needed for proper fire hydrant function.

WASTEWATER Resulting from the merger of Cobre Valley Sanitary District and Pinal Sanitary District in 2011, the Tri-City Regional Sanitary District (TRSD) now serves the Tri-Cities and unincorporated areas of the region. The area generates an estimated 200,000 gpd of wastewater (Zache, 2016).

TRSD efforts are to create a uniform sewer system for the area, where aging infrastructure and outdated waste disposal methods are the norm. While the use of cesspools was prohibited by ADEQ in 1976, roughly 80-90 percent of the area is still relying on aging cesspools for sewage disposal and treatment (Personal communication: Zache, 2016; Walker, 2015). To date the region contains approximately 1,300 operating cesspools and 300 substandard septic systems, with many of the remaining systems in poor or Figure 5 - Raw sewage under a home in the Tri- failing condition. Currently there are 75 City Regional Sanitary District (TRSD, 2013). parcels with known failed sewage systems

Initial Assessment of Water Resources in Cobre Valley, Arizona 15 since 2007, with more than 25 recorded Notices of Violation (NOV’s) for both sewage and gray water (Figure 5). It is expected that many more violations exist but have not yet been filed.

Proper construction techniques for non-municipal waste disposal typically involve the installation of a lined septic tank and leachfield. Cesspool “systems” are essentially holes in the ground where sewage is released, similar to the design of historic outhouses. As one example a 10,000-gallon cesspool is present underground near Bechtel Track, where the pit shape is held in place by the original stacked timbers (Personal communication: Zache, 2016). Utilization of such disposal methods can present a risk to groundwater quality, public health, property values, and the local economy. Area residents are particularly at risk for coming in contact with contaminated areas and potentially falling into cesspools due to lid collapses. Two such incidents have occurred in recent years (TRSD, 2013).

On July 1, 2006, Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R18-9-A316, extended the inspection requirement to all on-site systems whenever ownership of property changes. Therefore, property owners utilizing dysfunctional waste disposal methods must inform potential buyers of the current cesspool or faulty septic system, indicating the need to pay for costly upgrades upon change in ownership. Indirectly the presence of these outdated systems is, as Bob Zache states, “a huge economic issue”, where “there are vacant homes all over that people can’t sell.”

Economic impacts include: property owners unable to acquire home or commercial property loans, permits not issued for improvements or expansion if served by a cesspool, and growth and investment discouraged in areas with high numbers of outdated systems (TRSD, 2013).

Upgrading of systems for current property owners can be problematic for two reasons:

1. In many cases the cost of upgrading the waste disposal system (e.g., ~$10,000- $25,000) can be prohibitive when considering the current value of the property (e.g., $50,000-$80,000). This has presented a problem when a property is willed to a family member or friend, who is then unable to sell the property without first upgrading the wastewater disposal system to current standards. In these cases, selling property can become impossible. 2. Property lots are not large enough to accommodate a proper septic treatment system design. While many septic systems require a minimum lot size of 1 house per acre, in the Claypool and unincorporated areas many property sizes are 1/10 acre with 6-12 homes per acre.

There is a noted need for facilitation to take place in the development of a comprehensive, mutually beneficial approach to the management of wastewater flows within the area. In a study conducted by TRSD, 5 alternatives were considered to address the problem (Table 4).

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Table 4 - Alternative plans to address wastewater infrastructure and treatment needs in the Tri-city Regional Sanitation District (TRSD, 2013).

Alternative Proposal Cost (in millions) 1 No Action NA 2 Flow Conveyed to Miami WWTP and Globe WWTP $53.9 3 All Wastewater Flow Conveyed to Miami WWTP, with $53.7 existing Globe service to remain with Globe 4 All Wastewater Flow Conveyed to Globe WWTP, with Infeasible due to gravity existing Miami service to remain with Miami issues/high pumping costs 5 Construct a new WWTP to be run by TRSD. Valuation $52.9 includes the construction of new infrastructure and the purchase of existing infrastructure from Globe and Miami. (Includes treatment of all flows within TRSD)

Alternative 5 was deemed the cheapest option (at $52.9 million) and would require the construction of a new regional WWTP with infrastructure. Note that the highest option (to transfer flows to both Globe and Miami WWTPs) was estimated at only $1 million higher. The newly constructed plant would be able to treat 800,000 gpd. The area would also require the installment of over 35 miles of pipe, over 400 manholes, and several new main and neighborhood lift stations. If this plant is built there would be 3 WWTPs within ~3 miles. Federal funds are being sought from USDA-WIFA and USDA-RD (Office of Rural Development), as the low median household income qualified the area for 75% Grant and 25% Loan funding. State funds are being sought from the Arizona Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC). Current Arizona statute restricts the RCAC loan term to 25 years for sanitary districts, but legislation is being drafted and submitted to extend payback to 40 years (TRSD, 2013).

Initial Assessment of Water Resources in Cobre Valley, Arizona 17

Water Resources Uncertainty and Potential

Improvements in water and wastewater infrastructure are ongoing in the Cobre Valley region, but uncertainties still exist on what is the correct path forward. The next few years should be an interesting and potentially pivotal time for the region. Local municipalities, research institutions, and other local organizations are well-suited to collaborate on regional revitalization that can be partially driven by and for improved water management. Parties that can affect water resource decision making in the coming years are shown in Table 2.

The feasibility of some water resource plans may be based on future economic obstacles or opportunities. Possible future obstacles to water resource funding can depend on fluctuating copper prices or the outcome of the ongoing lawsuit between AWC and the City of Globe. The basis of the suit is that the City of Globe has been providing water to residents within the service area of AWC. AWC is suing the city for damages associated with lost revenue totaling ~$7-8 million. See Appendix A for more details and potential implications of the case.

Topics in need of further investigation: . Infrastructure Funding (drinking water and sewer) . Wellfield Sustainability and Alternative Water Supplies . Private Well Water Supply and Quality . Public Education . Environmental Issues

INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING In an ADWR (2004) survey of Salt River Basin water providers, out of 18 ranked problems, infrastructure issues and inadequate capital to pay for improvements, were ranked among the top 5. This is certainly the case in many parts of the Cobre Valley, where properties and businesses are dependent on infrastructure dating back 100 years (Personal communication: Globe Public works; Heatherly). This outdated infrastructure is causing issues related to public health, the local economy, and energy and water losses.

Limited funding influences the ability of the municipalities or regional sanitation districts to conduct upgrades to failing septic and cesspool systems, treatment facilities, piping, and roadways. Projects are conducted one-by-one, where the most critical cases are being addressed first. Potential sources for additional funding includes: USDA-WIFA, as well as additional state and federal resource pools. A new source may be USEPA that just announced “the availability of approximately $1 billion in credit assistance for water infrastructure projects under the new Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program. EPA’s WIFIA program will provide long-term, low-cost credit assistance in the form of direct loans and loan guarantees to creditworthy water projects” (USEPA, 2017).

PIPING INFRASTRUCTURE Due to lack of maintenance and upkeep many pipes are now inefficiently placed or in need of repair or replacement. Numerous cases have been found where original pipelines have been

Initial Assessment of Water Resources in Cobre Valley, Arizona 18

altered. For example, many cases have been described where unauthorized or uninspected connections cause pipes that go from 6” to 4” to 2” and back to 6” (Personal communication: Globe Public Works). These inefficient designs cause pressure losses and the need for greater energy consumption. These issues can also impact the ability of the municipality to properly maintain adequate water pressure in fire hydrants near the end of the distribution line, raising potential public safety concerns.

SEWER SYSTEMS Due to issues with inefficient waste collection systems, sewer infrastructure needs upgrades that will require time, money, engineering, and easement dispute resolutions (Zache, 2016). Aside from the cesspool situation in the Tri-City and unincorporated areas, some other uncommon issues can be associated with a number of properties that are using the system through unauthorized connections. In order to replace and upgrade these connections, upwards of 200 ft. of new lines may be required to tie a property back into the main sewer lines. The pressure issues in this inefficient system, necessitate installation of sewer backflow preventers (Personal communication: Globe Public Works).

METERS Upgrades to water meters is needed and ongoing. In total, there are about 4,000 meters in the Globe area, where below ground leakage at a number of residential and commercial sites or “seeping meters” have been documented. In addition, data loggers confirmed the malfunctioning of pressure reducing valves (PRV) throughout the area.

The replacement of outdated and impaired metering systems can have a substantial impact on the data quality. As an example, with older meters, water transported from the Cutter Wellfield to the distribution center was recording a 40% loss in water volume. With the new, more accurate meters, the same lines were only showing a loss of 10-15%. Without accurate information, the region could mis-prioritize needs and misappropriate limited funds. A number of meters are currently being upgraded with “green meters” that help improve data quality and customer information, at a cost of ~$90 per installation (Personal communication: Globe Public Works, 2016).

SUSTAINABLE WELLFIELDS AND ALTERNATIVE WATER SUPPLIES In the ADWR (2004) survey of Salt Water basin suppliers, future water concerns and drought problems ranked relatively high. Outside of Active Management Areas (AMAs) or Irrigation Non-expansion Areas (INAs), the state has limited mechanisms to address issues related to land use, population growth, and water supply. The City of Globe has a water conservation plan that it credits with helping to keep water demand in check (City of Globe, 2017), but according to the Central Highlands Planning document, water levels declined in all wells for which change data were available during 1990-91 and 2003-04 (ADWR, 2009). In USGS studies, water levels were found to vary wildly, with fluctuations of up to 25 m in 6 months. In another study at a Pinal Creek monitoring well, aquifer levels declined by 13 meters from spring 1985-1989 (Neaville and Brown, 1994).

Initial Assessment of Water Resources in Cobre Valley, Arizona 19

As in all regions reliant on declining groundwater reserves, there is a need for careful accounting of the sustainability of local wellfields. Increasing the total number of wells or deepening wells is only a temporary solution and the region may need to look to alternative water supplies in long- term planning.

There is a need for more precise information on: • Total water supply in the region; including in nearby tribal communities • Water use and replenishment rates of the mining industry • Amount of total mining water needs that are met by effluent • Quantification of alternative water supply availability

Alternative water supplies could include: Roosevelt Lake, tribal communities (as they have a CAP allotment), Pine St., Skyline, Hagen, and Old Dominion Mine waters (that could be treated to usability standards), or possibly through renegotiation with FMI for wastewater effluent.

Other potential influences on future supplies may be the legal conflicts with the tribal community, over utilization of the Cutter Basin. Arizona stream adjudications, initiated in the 1970s, may also impact supplies for all communities as they will determine the nature, extent, and priority of water rights across the entire system, which includes the Salt River basin. The entire adjudication includes over 24,000 parties and is on-going in the Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County.

PRIVATE WELL WATER SUPPLY AND WATER QUALITY In 2009, there were 5,680 private, domestic wells registered in Gila County, many located in the Cobre Valley (ADWR, 2009). Due to historical contamination of the surficial aquifer, private wells need to be drilled through the Gila Conglomerate to reach the uncontaminated aquifer. Testing private well water is important to ensuring public health, and public education events encouraging appropriate well testing have occurred recently in the region (Personal communication: Artiola, 2017). Additional information on recommended well water testing can be found in the Arizona Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply (Artiola, et al., 2009)

PUBLIC EDUCATION Through further education and training for community members and public works employees, regional water resource conservation and management can be improved. Subject material could cover: • Water usage/water sustainability • Rain water harvesting and its ability to reduce domestic consumption rates • Grey water reuse • Purpose and function of specific operations and procedures, such as proper sampling techniques • Current and future state of regional water resources

Initial Assessment of Water Resources in Cobre Valley, Arizona 20

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES In the Cobre Valley, there is potential for economic revitalization through restoration of aquatic and environmental systems. Local organizations have expressed interest in such concepts through development of preliminary plans to restore surface flows through downtown stretches of Globe-Miami. Funding could come from the Arizona Water Protection Fund Program (AWPF), established in 1994 (A.R.S. 45-2101) to support projects targeted at protection and restoration of Arizona rivers and streams and associated riparian habitats. The AWPF has funded 28 restoration projects in the Central Highlands Planning area through 2008, 4 of which were in the Salt River basin (i.e., Cherry, Canyon, Lofer, and Cienaga Creeks).

Climate change may have significant impacts to water resources and environmental conditions in the valley. Shifts in climate can influence temperature, evaporation and precipitation as rain or snow, and the timing, amount and distribution of spring runoff. These factors determine water supply, and therefore will play a critical role in short-term and long-term water resource planning. Impacts may be especially significant in the southwest, where regional temperatures have been increasing over the past 70 years. Below it is highlighted how fire, flood, and ecological conditions may impact water resources and local communities.

FIRE Fire in the region has historically impacted peak stream flows and flooding risk. In 1950, a wildfire along the south side of the Pinal Mountains created conditions for worsening impacts of the 1954 flood. The area could benefit from increased research and implementation of alternative forest and fire management techniques. Information on how future wildfire risk will change and potentially impact water resources and storm surges could help in basin scale planning and investment. An example of how nearby regions have been impacted by fire events is the Rodeo-Chediski Fire in June 2002. That fire, which enveloped over 700 mi2 in central Arizona, burned continuously for ~3 weeks due to drought conditions and reached temperatures over 2,000 degrees, with flames over 300 ft. vertically (AZ Central, 2012). Due to the Figure 6 – Area burned in 2004 in the "Ellis lack of vegetation and ground cover Ranch" sub-basin located in the Pinto Creek following the event, peak storm flows were watershed (ADEQ, 2007). found to reach as much as 2,350 times greater runoff/surface flow rates than pre-disturbance. Increased peak flows can degrade and destabilize stream channels, increase sediment loads, and cause flood damage (Neary and others, 2003).

FLOOD Flooding has been a recurring issue in the valley. As the Pinal Creek basin flows directly through the municipalities of Globe-Miami, during high precipitation events properties,

Initial Assessment of Water Resources in Cobre Valley, Arizona 21

especially near surface water channels, have been heavily damaged. Through a previous WRRC project developing a historical water timeline for the region (wrrc.arizona.edu/Globe- Miami), community members told personal anecdotes of flood events that occurred over the history of the towns (WRRC, 2016). Events occurred in 1921, 1941, 1951, 1954, and 1978. The 1954 flood reached the height of ceilings and roofs of houses and businesses in Miami and Globe. More recent events such as in 1993 flooded John’s Furniture, and the 2009 event had flows reaching the bottom of downtown bridge. Basement flooding can occur during many of these events (Personal communication: Local residents, 2017). The economic impact and future investment in these areas suffer from these events. Alternative storm water control techniques could help address some of these flooding issues. Storm water managers also need to work in conjunction with fire and forest managers as the health of the forests directly influences the impacts of storm events on the community.

ECOLOGY The influence of historic activities on ecological health and function warrants additional research. The Cobre Valley is near the Wilderness Area, which covers 160,135 acres of mountains, rock formations, large vegetation ranges, prehistoric dwellings, and riparian habitats (BLM, 2006; USFS, 2007). It may be important to determine how water resource management and land use change can impacts endangered species in the area (e.g., Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Yuma Clapper Rail, Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and the Arizona Hedgehog Cactus and Lesser Long-nosed Bat in the Pinto Creek basin (USFS, 1997)).

Initial Assessment of Water Resources in Cobre Valley, Arizona 22

References

ADEQ. (2017). Pinal Creek Water Quality Assurance Revolving Fund (WQARF) Site. http://legacy.azdeq.gov/environ/waste/sps/Pinal_Creek.html

ADEQ. (2007). Pinto Creek site-specific water quality standard for dissolved copper. http://legacy.azdeq.gov/environ/water/assessment/download/pinto_final.pdf

ADWR. (2014). Water quality in the Salt River basin. http://www.azwater.gov/AzDWR/StatewidePlanning/WaterAtlas/CentralHighlands/Water/SaltRiver.htm http://www.azwater.gov/AzDWR/StatewidePlanning/WaterAtlas/CentralHighlands/PlanningAreaOvervie w/Hydrology.htm

ADWR. (2009). Arizona Water Atlas: Volume 5 – Central Highlands Planning Area. http://www.azwater.gov/azdwr/statewideplanning/wateratlas/CentralHighlands/default.htm

ADWR. (2008). Assured and adequate water supply applications: Project files, ADWR Water Management Division.

ADWR. (1992). Preliminary HSR for the Upper Salt River Watershed Volume 1: Assessment in Re: The General Adjudication of the Gila River System and Source.

Angeroth, C.E., Leake, S.A., and Wagner, B.J. (March 8-12, 1999). Preliminary model development of the ground- and surface-water system in Pinal Creek basin, Arizona. USGS Toxic Substances Hydrology Program – Proceedings of the Technical Meeting Charleston, SC. Water Resources Investigation Report 99-4018A. https://toxics.usgs.gov/pubs/wri99-4018/Volume1/sectionC/1408_Angeroth/pdf/1408_Angeroth.pdf

Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity. (2017). Population projections and census data. https://population.az.gov/census-data

Arizona Water Company. (2007). System Water Plan Miami Water System, submitted to ADWR.

Artiola, J.F, and Uhlman, K. (2009). Arizona Well Owner’s Guide to Water Supply. Univ. of Arizona Cooperative Extension, AZ1485. https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1485.pdf

AZ Central. (June 17, 2012). Rodeo-Chediski Timeline. http://archive.azcentral.com/news/20120617rodeo- chediski-fire-timeline

City of Globe. (2017). ADWR Office of Assured and Adequate Water Supply. http://www.azwater.gov/azdwr/WaterManagement/AAWS/OAAWSLaunch.htm

Clear Creek Associates. (2016). Michael Alter: Principal Hydrogeologist. http://clearcreekassociates.com/wp- content/uploads/2013/11/SOQalter.pdf

Globe-Miami Times. (2016). Taliesin West comes to Globe-Miami Arizona: Part I. http://www.globemiamitimes.com/the-grand-experiment-taliesin-comes-to-globe-miami/

Malcolm Pirnie Inc. (MPI). (Feb. 2006). Pinto Creek Phase II TMDL Modeling Report. Prepared for the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

Initial Assessment of Water Resources in Cobre Valley, Arizona 23

NASA. (2002). NASA GSFC, Visible Earth v1 ID: 13736. Data from Landsat 7/ETM+, 2002-06-22.

Neaville, C.C., and Brown, J.G. (1994). Hydrogeology and hydrologic system of Pinal Creek basin, Gila County, Arizona. U.S. Geological Survey, Water-Resources Investigations Report 93-4212.

Morlock, Blake. (March 2-8, 1994). Poisoned lives. Tucson Weekly, Vol. 10, Number 52. http://www.getipm.com/articles/poisonedlives.html

SRP. (2007). SRP system information: Accessed April, 2007. www.srpnet.com/about/history/water.aspx

TRSD (Tri-City Regional Sanitary District). (March, 2013). Wastewater collection system improvement. Public presentation of TRSD wastewater collection system PER amendment by PACE.

Trost, Cathy. (1984). Elements of risk: the chemical industry and its threat to America. Times Books.

Truini, M., Macy, J.P., and Porter, T.J. (2005). Ground-water, surface-water, and water-chemistry data, Black Mesa area, northeastern Arizona, 2003-2004.; prepared in cooperation with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Arizona Department of Water Resources. USGS report.

USEPA. (2017). News release from Office of Water. https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-launches-new- program-1-billion-loans-available-water-infrastructure-projects

USEPA. (2001). Total maximum daily load for copper in Pinto Creek, Arizona. USEPA Region 9, April 2001.

USFS. (1997). Final Environmental Impact Statement for Carlota Copper Project, , Phoenix, AZ, Record of Decision and 3 volumes, July, 1997.

USGS. (2007). Water withdrawals for irrigation, municipal, mining, thermoelectric-power, and drainage uses in Arizona outside of the active management areas, 1991-2005.

USGS. (1997). Research on acidic metal contaminants in Pinal Creek basin near Globe, Arizona. USGS Fact Sheet FS-005-97.

Walker, Jenn. (Apr. 23, 2015). The journey of water in Globe-Miami, from faucet to drain. Globe-Miami Times. http://www.globemiamitimes.com/journey-of-water/

WRRC. (2016). Raising water awareness in the Globe-Miami community: Arizona Water 101 and Master Watershed Steward Educational Program Series. wrrc.arizona.edu/Globe-Miami

Initial Assessment of Water Resources in Cobre Valley, Arizona 24

Appendices

1. ARIZONA WATER COMPANY VS CITY OF GLOBE LAWSUIT Arizona Water Company (AWC) Case for Damages: “As a direct and proximate result of the City’s actions, AWC has incurred losses and damages to revenues it was entitled to earn from the customers the city has been serving in the company’s Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CC&N) area from the date (estimated 1980) the city started providing the competing water utility services to the present date” – AWC Claim South; in addition, repayment costs of disconnecting city water pipes and connecting AWC pipes.

City of Globe Defense Case: City believes portion of AZ water Co. water (from 1961 application) was already being served by Globe and so they are not entitled to damages. AWC says they are willing to serve community but does not have distribution infrastructure currently and AWC rates are higher than the city.

Year Action 1955 AWC purchased Triangle Development Corporation 1961 AWC applied at the AZ Corporation Commission (ACC) to expand the area served to include Central Heights. 1961 Application granted to AWC; City claims it was granted in error as they were already serving this area. 1970 AWC sold land to Globe for the Arlington Tank. Globe and AWC have an Interconnection Agreement. Aug. 1, 2012 AWC South Claim: Section 26; Globe providing water to at least 44 customers. AWC tells Globe they owe AWC $1,878,860 in lost revenue and other items. June 3, 2014 AWC North Claim: customers located in the western halves of Section 23 and 26 of Township 1 N, Range 15 East. Customers near Pinaleno Pass Rd, Pinal Creek Rd, and the railroad tracks NW of the city WWTP. AWC tells Globe they owe an additional $5,806,758 in lost revenue and other items. Total compensation requested for South and North Claims = $7 - $8 million August, 2014 City filed (ARS 40-252) petition to amend ACC decision 33424 (from 1961) to remove the portion of the CC&N in the Central Heights area that includes city customers. City petition to remove Northern Area (area inside the city near the city’s WWTP) and Southern Area (Arlington Heights; outside city corporate limits). Nov. 18, 2014 Franchise Agreement Jan. 16, 2015 AWC motioned to dismiss Globe claim for ACC amendment Feb. 9 2015 Globe response filed to AWC dismissal request

(Sources: AWC and City of Globe court case documents (2012-2015))

Initial Assessment of Water Resources in Cobre Valley, Arizona 25

2. AGENT ORANGE APPLICATION IN THE 1960s A little over 50 years ago, in June 1964, the Salt River Project contracted helicopters from the US Forest Service to spray herbicidal chemicals along a 1900-acre area of the Tonto National Forest (just north of where Kellner and Icehouse Creeks feed into the Pinal Creek) to reduce the presence of invasive salt cedars. The same actions were also taken in areas feeding the Gila and San Carlos Rivers. Salt cedars were deemed an undesirable species in that they are capable of capturing and sequestering precipitation runoff, and reducing flows to surface waters where the water could have increased value to commercial and industrial enterprises.

The odorless herbicide applied was Silvex, a mixture of two herbicides 2,4,5-T and 2,4-D, most commonly known as “Agent Orange.” Following five years of intermittent spraying, in 1969 areas near Kellner Canyon and Icehouse Canyon were sprayed without following proper applications protocols (i.e., spraying under high wind conditions). This resulted in the unintended spreading of the herbicide from the original 3 mi2 (1900 acre) uninhabited target zone, to an area covering 37.5 mi2, including parts of the San Carlos and Gila Rivers. According to Arizona Record articles, defoliated trees were found five miles to the east and 15 miles northwest of the spray.

After this spraying, which impacted residents near the city of Globe, a class action lawsuit was undertaken to sue the makers of Agent Orange (Dow Chemical) and the U.S. government. The main plaintiff in the case, Billie Shoecraft, wrote a book about the ordeal entitled Sue the Bastards in 1971, but died of cancer in 1976; prior to the suit being finalized. The suit, Shoecraft v. Dow Chemical, went before the U.S. District Court in Phoenix and was settled out of court in the early 1980s. Court case documents were sealed following the settlement. Other afflicted parties, including members of the San Carlos Apache tribe, are still attempting to get retribution for the misapplication and contamination of their land and water resources.

Current concerns are related to the presence of byproducts (or break down products) in the form of Silvex and associated dioxins contaminating local groundwater. These concerns stem from research conducted in 1994 by chief epidemiologist of the state’s cancer registry, Dr. Time Flood. Findings showed higher than normal presence of rare cancers. According to NIH statistics the area should experience one case of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) every two years, one case of Hodgkin’s Disease every year, and three cases of Non- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) each year. According to a survey conducted by local resident Bob McCray, at the time the area contained 30 cases of STS and 40 cases each of Hodgkin’s Disease and NHL (emfblues.com). The fight for clean well water sources for the over 100 residential homes lining Kellner Canyon continues today by another local resident, Robert McKusick. He claims the contaminants are held in the clays, and released upon precipitation events. Consumption of water during these times has hypothetically caused reproductive and morphological birth defects in local children.

(Sources: Morlock, 1994; Trost, 1984; internet sites) https://www.indianz.com/News/2015/03/06/michael-paul-hill-agent-orange.asp https://emfblues.com/agent-orange-test-sprayed-on-globe-az/

Additional resources: water.epa.gov; USGS, original site selection document (1962), and application site plan (1970).

Initial Assessment of Water Resources in Cobre Valley, Arizona 26

3. INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES IN THE CITY OF GLOBE

The City of Globe is currently upgraded much of the outdate infrastructure in the area (Personal communication: Globe Public Works, 2016).

Current, ongoing project for Phase 1 of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) includes: • Construction of seven new water tanks (CIP item) - e.g., 1-million-gallon tank; 500,000 gallon tanks in both Hagen and Thompson • Three production wells rehabbed (Well #1, 3, and 4) (CIP item) - Historically well #3 would pump at 800 gpm; presently at 300 gpm • Installation of new pipe lines, including main lines. - New pipes are being installed to replace the older sand cast, steel, asbestos- cement, ductile iron, and lead (Pb) laden materials, with more resilient materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), and polyethylene (PE). - The City of Globe has replaced a 1.5-mile-long, 6” rotten steel line notorious for breaking on a regular basis along Highway 60 (going from Broad St. to the CC&N line). When the old line was still intact former city manager Brent Billingsley noted that “People sometimes have to go six to eight hours without water while the city repairs it” (Personal communication: Globe Public Works; Walker, 2015). • Replacement of meters for more accurate readings for data collection. • Improved fire hydrant function and pressurization. • Pressure reducing valve (PRV) systems installed for water and energy savings. • Modeling to reduce costs; accomplished through efficient placement and replacement of outdated pumps and motors (Source: Globe Public Works). • Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system being replaced to improve data quality and energy/water use efficiency. Conducted through an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) loan with Canyon Water. • Updating GIS maps of pipe locations. As discrepancies from historical documents are found by field personnel conducting road/pipe work, differences are marked and updated into GIS database.

Phase 2 and Phase 3 are to be conducted in the Arlington area and, among other work, will involve the reconnection of currently unused water tanks with new pressure pumps.

Initial Assessment of Water Resources in Cobre Valley, Arizona 27