Pima County cites Project Blue contractor for alleged air quality violation

AMES Construction, a contractor working on the Project Blue data center site in Pima County, Arizona, has received a Notice of Violation (NOV) from the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ). The NOV, issued on May 12, alleges that AMES Construction violated its fugitive dust permit by failing to control dust that crossed property lines during inspections on May 8 and 11. The inspector noted that the company "failed to employ dust mitigation practices (i.e. water), which resulted in visible fugitive dust emissions being generated." AMES is performing site preparation work for California-based developer Beale Infrastructure's large data center campus, located north of the Pima County Fairgrounds on South Harrison Road. The property was purchased from the county in 2025. The company must come into compliance immediately, submit its intended corrections to the county, and explain the actions that led to the violation. PDEQ emphasized that state law allows for fines up to $10,000 per day per violation. Dust is a health hazard, potentially exacerbating respiratory illnesses like Valley Fever, and can also reduce visibility near roads, posing a safety risk. AMES has until May 17 to respond to the notice.