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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 DS and one B-Groove groundwater monitor well is <br /> completed for each area of activity. Additional monitor wells may be completed dependent <br /> upon the size and shape of the area in relation to the flow of the aquifer being monitored. Pre- <br /> existing wells may be used for groundwater monitoring when available. The details of the <br /> monitor well completion or re-completion will be provided to 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 area. <br /> NS monitors the water levels and water chemistry in these wells. One such pad includes the <br /> following wells: MMC-IRI-4, MMC-IRI-S, MMC-I11I-6, and MMC-I11I-7. These wells are the <br /> current, remote down-gradient groundwater monitor wells that monitor the Perched, A- <br /> Groove, B-Groove, and DS aquifers. NS also monitors historical wells on the Rock School Lease. <br /> As NS continues operations, 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 well's location relative to planned solution mining intervals and orientations. <br /> 2.1.3 Reporting Results of Groundwater Monitoring <br /> Should the results of the monitoring program identify potential impacts to the USDW aquifers <br /> due to mining related activities; an investigation will be conducted to determine the source of <br /> the impact and the overall extent of the impact. Investigative actions may include additional <br /> sampling, or the installation of additional wells in the DS, B-Groove, or A-Groove Aquifers. If <br /> the conditions are proved to be mining related, NS will prepare an action plan for review and <br /> approval by the appropriate agencies. If it is determined that significant changes have occurred <br /> to the hydrologic system, notification will be provided within 10 business days of discovery. <br /> Pressure transducers are installed to continuously monitor groundwater levels in select wells. <br /> Each 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 taken <br /> with a depth sounder to verify accuracy. Should a water level anomaly be verified, action will <br /> be taken to identify and correct the problem. Potentiometric data for monitor wells without <br /> pressure transducers will be collected manually on a quarterly or annual schedule, depending <br /> on the proximity of the monitor well to the production well field. <br /> Water level measurements taken by M-scope will be obtained through visual and/or audio <br /> response of the instrument. In the active mining areas, the DS pressure transducers will be <br /> verified periodically. Outside the active mining area, manual water levels will be collected at <br /> least annually. <br /> Daub&Associates,Inc. Page 6 Natural Soda LLC 2022 EMP <br />