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Lorencito Canyon Deep Mine Notice of Intent to Conduct Coal Exploration Part II-Item 4 The five sites proposed for exploration are located within the Lorencito Canyon permit area south of Colorado State I-lighway l2, in'I'ownship 345 and flange (iGW. Tlie area is accessed by existing ranch roads and roads to numerous gas wells. A limited number of new access roads are proposed for the project. The existing and proposed roads are shown on the map that accompanies this document. The physiography of the area consists of moderate to steeply sloping canyons with moderate to steeply sloping ridge tines. hrtenniUent or ephemeral streams traverse the area draining either southwest to northeast or west to east across the proposed project area. The canyons are tributary to the Purgatoire River. Elevations range from approximately G900 to 7700 feet above mean sea Icvel. The stratigraphy in the area consists of the Raton Formation underlain by the Vermejo Formations and the'Crinidad Sandstone. All exploration operations will target the minable coal seams present in the Raton formation. Vegetation in the area consists primarily oCpinion pine, ponderosa pine and rocky mountain juniper. The grasses and underbrush consist of Gambels oak, western wheat grass, fringed sage, ntilkvetch, blue grama, and numerous other fortis and shrubs. Part Il-Item 5 The method utilized for exploration is drilling by rotary-air methods. Core drilling will also be performed. Hole diameters will generally be 6 inches during drilling and 4 7/8 inches while coring. Air is the preferred drilling medium, but if necessary water or mud may be utilized. All chemicals will be biodegradable so as not to affect the surrounding area or any groundwater which may be encountered. All drilling will be performed utilizing a truck mounted Gardener-Denver 1500 (or similar) type drill rig. Access will be provided by the numerous roads that traverse the area. Existing roads will be upgraded as necessary to accommodate the deployment of the drill rig. Upgrades will include rut removal and grading to facilitate drainage. Topsoil removal and culvert installation are not anticipated. New roads will be limited to short spurs off tirom existing roads to access drill sites. These roads wilt be constructed on grade to limit disturbance and avoid cut and fill construction. Where ever possible, drilling will be conducted along the side roadways thus minimizing disturbance. Site locations have been selected such that no drill pads will need to be constructed. No earth moving is anticipated as part of this exploration project. Disturbed areas will be broadcast seeded with the Lorencito Canyon Mine Kangeland seed mix (Exhibit B).