Laserfiche WebLink
5) Describe Exploration Activities <br />Proposed Exploration Activities: The primary methods of exploration and geologic and chemical <br />data collection proposed in this application include exploration drilling, geophysical logging, and <br />sampling, followed by reclamation of all exploration disturbances, as more specifically described in <br />the following sections. <br />TCC plans to drill 2 exploration drillholes during 2007 to further delineate and characterize geologic <br />conditions, coal seam occurrence and quality, and overburden physical and chemical characteristics. <br />The drillholes are designated as WCK001 through WCK002, with an additional numeric descriptor to <br />be added to designate the year in which each drillhole is completed (e.g., 2007WCK001). Each of <br />the proposed drill-sites aze shown on Map 1, and listed in Table 1. <br />TCC plans to initiate exploration activities immediately upon receipt of required approvals, and <br />continue as weather and ground conditions allow. It is anticipated that the proposed exploration <br />drilling will be conducted primarily between July and mid-September of 2007. However, to assure <br />the completion of the drilling program in a timely manner and take advantage of drill-rig availability, <br />TCC would like to reserve the option of drilling into late-fall and early-winter to assure completion in <br />2007. TCC plans to schedule operations on a 24-hour per day basis to minimize the overall time <br />required to complete the exploration program. In the event that winter drilling is necessary, TCC will <br />coordinate with the CDOW to keep specific gates locked to preclude public access, and to avoid any <br />areas of critical winter range. TCC will also coordinate with the CDOW to minimize potential <br />impacts to grouse leks and active raptor nests during critical use periods. <br />Site Development - Exnloration Access: Primary access to the proposed exploration area will be via <br />existing Routt County Road 33. As shown on Map 1, unimproved ranch roads and jeep trails will be <br />utilized to access exploration drill-sites within the exploration azea. TCC has specifically sited <br />proposed drill-sites adjacent to existing roads in order to minimize any new disturbance associated <br />with the proposed exploration activities. Equipment will be moved overland the short distance <br />between the existing roadway and proposed exploration pad without constructing a new road. <br />Site Development -Drill-uad Construction: Maximum drill-pad dimensions will be 100 x 100 feet. <br />Pad construction will begin with removal of available topsoil material for use in reclaiming the pad. <br />Available soil in the primary rooting zone will be removed and stockpiled on the uphill side of the <br />pad where it is protected from excessive wind and water erosion. Stockpiled material will be cleazly <br />marked with a "soil material" sign. Runoff and sediment contributions from the soil material <br />stockpile will be controlled through placement of a silt fence or soil berm (approximately one foot in <br />height) downgradient from the stockpile. After stripping and stockpiling the available soil material, <br />minor grading will be completed to establish the drill-pad and accommodate the drilling and support <br />equipment. The selected drill-sites are located on gentle slopes or bench areas to minnnize grading <br />requirements. <br />Mud pits will be constructed within the graded pad azea. Generally two or three pits aze required, <br />with typical pit dimensions of 10 feet x 5 feet and 6 feet deep. The size of the required pits is <br />dependent on the anticipated drilling depths and conditions. Materials excavated from the pits will be <br />stockpiled on the margins of the pad area and used to backfill the pits after the drilling is completed. <br />All drilling fluids will be contained within the mud pits, and all drilling supplies will be contained <br />within the area of the drill-pad. If "twinning" of any drillhole becomes necessary, it is anticipated <br />that the additional drilling would occur within the limits of the previously constructed drill-pad. Any <br />runoff and associated suspended sediment from the drill-pad will be controlled and contained by a <br />perimeter soil berm or silt fence on the down-gradient side(s) of the drill-pad. <br />Wo(f6eek MOJx~NO! <br />o~osrzoa~ 4 <br />