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' Decemher 23, 1999 • • Pnge IS ' The exception to this sampling method is the sampling method for the monitoring wells ' completed at the Dissolution Surface. American Soda personnel are working to adapt the micropurge system to the Dissolution Surface wells. To date, micropurging has been unsuccessful ' at monitoring wells completed at the Dissolution Surface because the high total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration promotes mineral precipitation within the bladder pumps and the discharge ' tubing. By pressurizing the micropurge system with nitrogen, it may be possible to curtail mineral precipitation. Dedicated down-hole conductivity and temperature monitoring devices, applicable ' to 2-inch monitoring wells, will be used to monitor the Dissolution Surface during commercial operations. As described above, conductivity and temperature will be measured on a monthly basis during the baseline period and weekly during the operations period. Micropurge will not be used for the Parachute Site monitoring well and for the domestic ' wells. Conventional water sampling techniques will be used for sampling at these locations. 2.3 Piceance Site Groundwater Monitoring for Years 5-30 ' When possible, monitoring and production wells used in the first panel will become functional monitoring wells for subsequent mine panels. New wells will be placed where existing ' wells do not provide adequate coverage. The monitoring plan proposed for the period following the first 5 years of mining will be refined in concert with the BLM, EPA, CDMG, USGS, and Rio t Blanco County. The plan will be based on the groundwater flow characteristics defined by the 0-5 year monitoring plan. Up to five production wells will be completed as monitoring wells once ' solution mining has ceased and the cavity has been plugged and sealed. Each production well may be completed in up to two stratigraphic intervals. 2.4 Post-Mining Groundwater Monitoring At such time as the Yankee Gulch Project may permanently cease commercial operations, ' there may be a need for continued monitoring of the hydrologic system. In the event that the project permanently ceases commercial operations, American Soda will continue to monitor the hydrologic system as required. American Soda will consult with the BLM, EPA, CDMG, USGS, and Rio Blanco County to determine the extent and requirements for hydrologic monitoring. 1 ~' ' Agapito Associates, Inc.