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that are essential for sample preparation in the field. Appendix C includes the table containing <br />sample location information for each of the sampling events. Appendix D contains datasheet <br />examples that are used throughout the groundwater sampling project. Appendix E is the <br />NS Quality Assurance Project Plan. The contents of this document will be updated periodically <br />as necessary. <br />Groundwater monitoring is required to ensure that the NS mining operations do not <br />significantly affect the groundwater quality of USDWs. The objective of groundwater <br />monitoring is to record and track the groundwater conditions of various aquifers. This objective <br />is accomplished by collecting water level measurements (manually or by transducers, as <br />appropriate), field measurements (conductivity, pH and temperature) and samples of <br />groundwater from monitoring wells for analysis by an independent laboratory. <br />Tables, statistical analysis, and graphical representation of the sampling results are compiled. <br />Groundwater monitoring wells are sampled on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis per the <br />schedule indicated in Appendix A, Table 4. Water levels are measured and field parameters are <br />collected for the wells. Samples are collected for laboratory evaluation of major and minor <br />constituents. Groundwater monitoring wells must be labeled, covered to prevent migration of <br />surface contaminants to the groundwater, and secured to restrict access. <br />2.1 Background Information <br />2.1.1 Site Location and Description <br />The NS sodium bicarbonate processing plant is located in Township 1 South, Range 98 West, <br />Section 26, in Rio Blanco County, Colorado. A general location map is presented in Figure 1. <br />NS operations are currently permitted to occur on four sodium leases, encompassing <br />approximately 8,378.9 acres. The four individual sodium leases (C-0118326, C-0118327, <br />C-0119986, and C-37474) are unitized under the C-0118326 designation (the Lease). <br />No drinking water wells are located within a one -mile radius of the site. The four major surface <br />water drainages on or near the site are measured and sampled at four locations annually by the <br />USGS. These locations include the Piceance Creek below Ryan Gulch (USGS Station #6200), <br />Piceance Creek at White River (USGS Station #6222), Corral Gulch near Rangely <br />(USGS Station #6242), and Yellow Creek near White River (USGS Station #6255). Historical <br />surface water data for these stations can be found at usgs.gov. <br />2.1.2 Geologic Setting <br />The NS sodium lease site is located near the depositional center of the Piceance Creek Basin in <br />northwestern Colorado. The site is immediately underlain by sandstones, siltstones, and <br />marlstones of the Eocene Uinta Formation. The dominant economic resources in the area are <br />Daub & Associates, Inc. 2 NS LLC 2015 S A P Rev. 2 <br />