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3.0 PLANNING AND GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS 3.1 OBJECTIVES AND GOALS The Plan considers both short-term and long-term objectives, and incorporates interim environmental goals and permanent reclamation goals into the planning process. These objectives and goals will be considered throughout the project life to ensure the selection and implementation of the most appropriate erosion control and reclamation methods and procedures relative to project development, operational and closure activities. 3.1.1 Objectives Short-term objectives of this plan are to conserve and protect topsoil, to control erosion and sedimentation, to protect water quality and aquatic resources, to promote revegetation success, and to minimize impacts to adjacent land uses and ecological resources. Properly executed construction practices, optimum scheduling of activities, and ongoing evaluation by American Soda, its contractors, and the BLM will ensure successful development, operation and reclamation of the Yankee Gulch Project. Long-term objectives include controlling erosion and sedimentation; restoring topography, water resources, soils, and vegetation to conditions similar to or better than those existing prior to disturbance; and limiting the introduction and spread of noxious weeds. Monitoring activities implemented during the development, operation, and closure of project components will evaluate the success of erosion control and revegetation efforts. 3.1.2 Interim Environmental Goals During active operations, a number of interim environmental goals will be used in planning and performing solution mining activities. These goals include: • Potential adverse impacts to human health, safety and the environment will be prevented, controlled, or mitigated: • Environmental protection, mitigation of unavoidable adverse impacts and resource restoration will be integral guiding components of development and exploration activities; • Protection, mitigation and restoration practices and methods wilt be applied and performed selectively based on site requirements, disturbance type and economic efficiency; and • Protection, mitigation and restoration activities will be performed promptly and timely. It should be emphasized that the unique conditions and needs of the Yankee Gulch Project site will be considered in choosing reclamation practices and methods. Reclamation practices and methods may be used singly or in combination to maximize their effectiveness within the disturbed area. The holistic needs of disturbed and adjacent undisturbed areas, as well as the effects and impacts of operation and reclamauon activities, will be considered in planning and operation efforts. American Soda L.L.P. 3- I Soil Conservmion. Plosion and Sedimem Control. Rcclanmian, and Revegetation Plan October?tl, 1998 Revised Apnl9. 1999