Laserfiche WebLink
Peab C <br />1111 ENERGY <br />Twentymile Coal, LLC <br />Mr. Jason Musick <br />Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety <br />1313 Sherman St., Room 215 <br />Denver, Colorado 80203 <br />303.866.3567 X8134 <br />r <br />�a�on, <br />o` .00(% & �g safe! <br />29515 Routt County Road 27 <br />Oak Creek, CO 80467 <br />970.879.3800 <br />Re: Minor Revision MR14 -280, WCR Offset Drill Zones (Revised 09/02/14) <br />Dear Mr. Musick; <br />August 22, 2014 <br />With this submittal, Twentymile Coal, LLC (TC) is requesting CDRMS approval of a Minor Revision <br />(MR14 -280) to our existing approved Mining and Reclamation Permit, for access development, <br />construction of drill -pads, and drilling and logging of up to ten additional coreholes in our Eastern and <br />Northern Mining Districts (EMD/NMD). <br />Previous drilling to define and characterize the Wolf Creek Reserve (WCR) in this area has identified <br />sand channels within the defined reserve block. In order to delineate and assess the location and extent <br />of the channel deposits, TC has identified several parallel zones where offset drilling will be used to <br />locate channel intercepts. Because the thickness and characteristics of the drillhole intercepts will <br />determine the location and spacing of the offset drillholes, TC has defined the limits of the drilling <br />zones, the maximum number and depth of drillholes to be completed, and the maximum total footage <br />of access road required. The proposed activities will occur on lands, and will affect surface and <br />minerals owned or controlled by TC as shown on Figure EX52 -176, WCR Offset Drilling, and will be <br />conducted during fall 2014 through summer 2015, with some activities potentially extending into fall <br />2015 (reclamation activities). <br />In order to minimize any potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed drilling, TC <br />reviewed the most recent grouse lek mapping (the identified drilling zones and access routes are <br />outside of any grouse exclusion areas), initiated a CPW wildlife consultation, contracted a cultural <br />resource survey of all drill zones and associated access, and will specifically avoid any stream buffer <br />zones when locating drill pads. These environmental analysis activities will be documented by a <br />cultural resource survey report and wildlife consultation letter, which will be forwarded on receipt <br />Given the location and coverage of existing network of mine and ranch roads in the proposed drilling <br />areas, most drill sites will be accessed from existing County, mine, and ranch roads. Minor <br />maintenance may be required for portions of the existing ranch roads, including grading to address rills <br />or washouts and placement of suitable road -base materials or rock/gravel, to assure good access during <br />any wet conditions and minimize any road damage. Where direct access from existing roads is not <br />feasible, drilling equipment and supplies may travel overland short distances during periods when <br />ground conditions are favorable to access the drill sites, or short temporary connecting roads will be <br />constructed. Where road maintenance or construction involves any significant new disturbance, soil <br />materials will be recovered and stockpiled for later use in reclamation, as appropriate. The maximum <br />