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offsetting short-term habitat losses. The modification of drilling activities can be developed <br /> prior to disturbance. <br /> 5.3.2 Reporting <br /> Habitat loss will be documented in the annual report for each year. Habitat loss will be <br /> identified by the extent and increments of disturbance and alteration stage, i.e. planned, active, <br /> and revegetated. <br /> 5.3.3 Objectives <br /> Reported habitat-loss acreage will be utilized to implement measures for habitat enhancement <br /> at approximate five-year intervals throughout mine life. The BLM and CPW in cooperation with <br /> Natural Soda LLC will evaluate habitat losses and formulate habitat enhancement measures. <br /> 5.3.4 Method of Analysis <br /> Maps of habitat losses will be of a scale sufficient to identify all disturbed areas. The annual <br /> report will summarize past, current and planned disturbance. Based on the annual information, <br /> NS will implement standards and cooperate with the BLM/CPW on habitat enhancement <br /> measures. <br /> 5.3.5 Mule Deer Impact Evaluation <br /> In addition to habitat-loss evaluation/mitigation, Natural Soda LLC will note vehicle/deer <br /> collisions resulting from employees, vendors and subcontractors. Notices will be posted to <br /> notify all employees, vendors and subcontractors to report deer collisions and locations. <br /> Carpooling to reduce vehicle traffic will be encouraged. Hunting will be discouraged near the <br /> mine site by limiting access. Deer proof fencing around the evaporation ponds has been <br /> erected to eliminate entrapment. Temporary open excavations will be covered, fenced, sloped, <br /> or flagged to prevent accidental entries by wildlife. Poaching will be reported immediately to <br /> the appropriate authority. <br /> 5.4 Process/Waste Pond Mitigation <br /> The process and waste ponds are checked for presence of waterfowl. The ponds have <br /> waterfowl deterrents that may include netting, owl decoys, propane cannon, pistol cartridges, <br /> laser beam deterrents, and human presence to discourage aquatic birds from utilizing the area <br /> of the process and waste ponds. <br /> 5.5 Groundwater Sampling Protocol and QA/QC <br /> Groundwater monitoring is required to ensure that mining operations do not degrade <br /> groundwater resources of the state. Groundwater monitoring wells are sampled pursuant to <br /> the SAP on monthly, quarterly, and/or annual basis. Groundwater monitoring wells must be <br /> labeled, covered to prevent migration of surface contaminants to groundwater intervals, and <br /> secured to restrict access. <br /> Daub&Associates, Inc. Page 22 Natural Soda LLC 2022 EMP <br />