Laserfiche WebLink
2.1.1 In -Field Solution Mining Groundwater Monitoring Wells <br />As the mining activities proceed, wells will be completed as groundwater monitoring wells <br />within the mining area. Generally, one Dissolution Surface and one B -Groove groundwater <br />monitor well is completed for each area of activity. Additional monitor wells may be <br />completed dependent upon the size and shape of the area in relation to the flow of the <br />aquifer being monitored. Pre-existing wells may be used for groundwater monitoring when <br />available. The details of the monitor well completion or re -completion will be provided to <br />BLM for approval. <br />2.1.2 Remote Groundwater Monitoring Wells and Exploration Holes <br />Several pre-existing historical groundwater monitoring wells are included in the NS Lease <br />area. NS monitors the water levels and water chemistry in these wells. One such pad <br />includes the following wells: MMC -IRI -4, MMC -IRI -5, MMC -IRI -6, MMC -IRI -7, and <br />MMC -IRI -8. These wells are the current remote down -gradient groundwater monitor wells <br />that monitor the Perched, A -Groove, B -Groove, and DS aquifers. Also, NS monitors <br />historical wells on the Rock School Lease. <br />As NS continues operating, exploration holes will be required to define the resource. These <br />wells may be completed as groundwater and/or subsurface subsidence monitoring wells, <br />dependent on the wells location relative to planned mining cavity and mining area <br />orientations. During the 2014 NS Resource Drilling Project, four wells were cored and <br />converted to groundwater monitor wells. In addition, three groundwater monitor wells <br />were drilled as a part of that project. <br />2.1.3 Reporting Results of Groundwater Monitoring <br />Should the results of the monitoring program identify potential impacts to the USDW <br />aquifers due to mining related activities; an investigation will be conducted to determine <br />the source of the impact and the overall extent of the impact. Investigative actions may <br />include additional sampling, or the installation of additional wells in the DS, B -Groove or <br />A -Groove Aquifers. If the conditions are proved to be mining related, NS will prepare an <br />action plan for review and approval by the appropriate agencies. If it is determined that <br />significant changes have occurred to the hydrologic system, notification will be provided <br />within 10 business days of discovery.5 <br />Pressure transducers were installed to continuously monitor groundwater levels. Each <br />pressure transducer is wired to a data -logger, which submits the information via telemetry <br />to the NS plant control room. If potentiometric levels are outside the expected range based <br />upon the historical baseline conditions in the database, a manual measurement will be <br />taken with a depth sounder to verify accuracy. Should a water level anomaly be verified, <br />5 Revised: 9/18/2015 <br />Daub & Associates, Inc. Page 6 Natural Soda LLC 2015 EMP <br />