This report evaluates the potential exposure pathways associated with vermiculite concentrate processing activities at the Ari-Zonolite facility. The site is located in the near downtown area of Glendale, approximately ½ mile from the city hall, downtown shops, and other buildings. The former Ari-Zonolite facility received vermiculite from the Libby, Montana, mine. From 1951 to 1964, the site was leased the site to the Ari-Zonolite Company. Following the removal of the vermiculite concentrate processing equipment in 1964, several businesses have occupied the site. None of these businesses were involved in vermiculite processing activities. The last occupant of the former vermiculite processing building was an automotive restoration business, which vacated the site in 2002.
Authority can more clearly report its economic development impact and enhance its processes for awarding and monitoring grants.
The Office of the Auditor General is a legislative agency under the direction of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. The Office provides information to the Legislature and various other governmental entities, which assists them in overseeing operations, improving their financial management and effectiveness, and giving the public a measure of accountability.
The Arizona Department of Financial Institutions partners with federal examiners to examine financial institutions, such as banks and credit unions, and has primary responsibility for examining financial enterprises, such as collection agencies and mortgage brokers. These examinations are designed to protect consumers and ensure sound business operations. Although the Department has established policies and procedures for effectively examining financial institutions, as of April 2013, the Department had a backlog of 197 statutorily required financial enterprise examinations. In order to address the backlog, the Department should spend less time examining enterprises that comply with the law and spend more time examining noncompliant or high-risk enterprises. The Department should also improve its complaint handling by enhancing its policies and procedures and establishing complaint processing time frames. In addition, the Department should ensure that the fees it charges match its costs.