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815.15 COAL E::P•°4TIOV (v2,pp.815-3 to 8.10' <br />A. Description of the Existing Environment <br />:he proposed exploration a->_a is identical to that <br />of the proposed mine plan permit area. T~:e environ- <br />ment affected by exploration activities is the sage <br />as that extensively described under Section 816. <br />Specific drilling sites are not designated in the <br />I•L4P since these will be determined on an "as needed" <br />pasis as mining progresses. <br />Within the proposed exploration area (pe-zit area) <br />and vicinity, two habitats of unique value have been <br />identified including an eft: calving ground -within <br />the permit area and a sage grouse strutting ground <br />L-near (but outside of) the proposed permit area. tdo <br />other habitats of unique value have been identified. <br />Some haul roads and others that are better defined <br />as "tracks" currently exist within the proposed permit <br />area; other roads will be developed as mining progresses <br />P,oads associated with ongoing-`:ri-ngactivities will be <br />used where possible for access co exploration sites. <br />Streams and vegetation within the proposed exploration <br />area are the sane as those described under Sections <br />810.41-.57 and 816.111-.117. <br />B. Applicant's Proposed Action <br />Energy r'uels proposes to conduct exploration activities <br />that will result in the removal of less than 250 tons <br />of coal. Exploration will be carried out on property <br />owned (on the surface) by the Papoulas Land Company, <br />the P.outt County Fuel Compan;~ and the U.S. Government <br />for a period of five (5) years. Most drilling will be <br />conducted itrJediately ahead of surface ninirg activities <br />in areas that will subsequently be mined. To the <br />extent possible Energy Fuels plans to conduct drilling <br />next to existing roads or trails and bulldoze level <br />benches for the drilling rigs, as necessary. If new <br />roads are required for access to driLLing sites, these <br />will be constructed ir~ediately prior to drilling with <br />appropriate water bars and/or culverts to avoid excessive <br />soil erosion. Access roads and drilling surfaces :will <br />be watered to minimize wind erosion and trash and debars <br />will be removed to avoid fire hazards.; <br />Air is the drilling medium, in order to <br />avoid contamination of water sources. The second <br />proposed medium, if air proves insufficient, is <br />