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<br />Daub & Associates, Inc. Page 3-1 2015 NS Mine Plan Modification <br />1/5/2016 Section 3 General Site Conditions <br />SECTION 3.0 GENERAL SITE CONDITIONS <br />3.1. Introduction <br />This section presents the general site conditions for the approximate 8,379 acre <br />sodium leases as described in Section 2.3 and illustrated in Figure 2-1. Detailed <br />information is presented concerning cultural, paleontological, air quality, and soil <br />studies which were conducted within an approximately 1,620 acre study area. This <br />study area was within the lease boundaries and encompassed the Natural Soda LLC <br />(NS) plant and proposed area of operations (herein referred to as the “Project <br />Area”). The Project Area is expected to cumulatively accrue approximately 260 <br />acres of disturbed area, assuming a 60- to 70-year mine life. The total disturbed <br />acreage in 2014 was 87.8 acres (BLM Annual Report, 2014)2. <br />3.2. Previous Mining Reclamation Activities <br />In the past, there were several exploratory drilling programs conducted on the <br />unitized Lease and a Bulk Sampling Program which involved a small-scale solution <br />mining facility. NS is currently operating a commercial solution mine. The mine was <br />constructed in 1991 and has been in operation since that time. This section briefly <br />describes each of the associated activities and reclamation programs. <br />3.2.1. Exploration Drilling <br />Several exploration and monitoring well drilling programs have been conducted on <br />the Lease. These programs were intended to characterize the sodium resources <br />and the ground water environment on the leases. All drill pads associated with the <br />older exploration drilling programs have been reclaimed or converted into <br />groundwater monitor wells and interim reclaimed. Final reclamation occurs after a <br />well has been plugged and abandoned (P&A). <br /> 2 Revised December 2015