2013-12-30_PERMIT FILE - C1982056A (5)

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using conventional rotary drilling methods and drilling mud as the circulation medium to depths ranging from 1,300 to 1,600 feet. TRO Coal Quality Coreholes (MR13 -269) TC proposes to develop appropriate access, construct drill -pads, and drill and log up to 4 coreholes in the Eastern Mining District (EMD). The purpose of the proposed corehole program is to more accurately define the extent, configuration, and quality of the Wolf Creek Coal Seam, and to assess overburden and coal physical and chemical characteristics, for planning and implementation of possible future mining operations in this area. The proposed activities will occur on lands, and will affect surface and minerals owned or controlled by TC, and would be conducted during the fall and winter of 2013, as shown on Figure EX52 -F1, TRO Coal Quality Coreholes. Environmental baseline studies, including cultural resource surveys and wildlife consultation with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, have been completed for the proposed drill sites, and will be documented by a cultural resource survey report and wildlife consultation letter, which will be forwarded on receipt. Drill -sites have been selected and located to facilitate access from existing County and ranch roads. Minor maintenance may be required for portions of the existing ranch roads, including grading to address rills or washouts and placement of suitable road -base materials, to assure good access during any wet conditions and minimize any road damage. Where direct access from existing roads is not feasible, drilling equipment and supplies may travel overland short distances during periods when ground conditions are favorable to access the drill sites, or short temporary connecting roads will be constructed. The maximum anticipated road construction requirements would be approximately 1,500 feet (0.90 acres with a 25 ft. road width). Drill pads will be approximately 75 x 75 feet (0.15 acres), with soil material stripping limited to an area around the drillhole collar, and the area surrounding any mud pits necessary to support drilling operations, in order to minimize disturbance and facilitate site reclamation. If additional site work is required to establish a level pad, any affected areas will be stripped and the soil material stockpiled for use in reclaiming the site. Wattles, sediment fence, and /or berms will be used to control site drainage and prevent off -site sediment transport. Nominal 4.805 -inch drillholes will be completed using conventional rotary drilling methods and drilling mud as the circulation medium, to depths ranging from 800 to 1,500 feet. Any drilling fluids will be fully contained on site using either mud pits or temporary porta -pits. Core samples will be recovered from all drillholes, and all drillholes will be geophysically logged. On completion of drilling and logging, all drillholes will be plugged and sealed in accordance with State Engineer requirements, and drill sites will be reclaimed by removing all equipment and supplies, allowing any mud pits to dry -out, backfilling the pits, grading any disturbance to blend with the surrounding terrain and reestablish natural drainage patterns, replacing stockpiled soil materials, and seeding with either the rangeland or dryland pasture seed mixtures (dependent on the pre - disturbance vegetation community). Mine Facilities (a) A narrative and maps, to meet the standards prescribed in 2.10, describing the location construction. modification, use, maintenance and removal of mine facilities in the permit area including all buildings. structures and utility corridors. RESPONSE The existing Foidel Creek Mine surface facilities consist of building structures, material handling system, utilities. and surface areas as shown on Map 24, Surface Facilities. Previously disturbed areas within the surface facilities area may be leveled and then utilized for additional storage. Buildings The original mine administrative office, a 60 x 36 foot modular trailer structure, was modified to allow for the cold weather and heavy snow -load of the area. That administrative structure contained eleven offices for the mine staff. A second administrative office was subsequently added for mine staff. The 36 x 56 foot trailer was located west of the original administrative office. The trailer contained a bathroom and was hooked up to the existing septic and MR 12-269 2.05 -17.2 10/30/13