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Lorettcito Canyon Deep Mine Notice of Intent to Conduct Coal Exploration Part II-Item 4 The five sites proposed for exploration are located within the Lorencilo Canyon permit azea south of Colorado State Highway 12, in'fowmship 34S and Range 66W. The 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 'fhc 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 lines. Interh~ittent or ephemeral str'eauts 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 6900 to 7700 feet above mean sea level. The stratigraphy in the area consists of the Raton Formation wtderlain by the Vermejo Formations and the Trinidad Sandstone. All exploration operations will target the minable coal seams present in the Raton Formation. Vegetation in the area consists primarily of pinion pine, ponderosa pint and rocky mountain juniper. The grasses and underbrush consist of Gambels oak, western wheal grass, fringed sage, milkvetch, blue grama, and numerous other Iorbs and shrubs. Part II-Item 5 The method utilized for exploration is drilliug by rotary-air methods. Core drilling will also be performed. Hole diameters will generally be 6 inches during chilling and 4 7/8 inches while coring. Air is the preferred drilling medium, but if necessary, water may be utilized. If water is utilized, the drill site will be stripped of topsoil and a water collection pit excavated. Upon completion, the pit will be backfilled, topsoil respread, and the area seeded. All chemicals will be biodegradable so as not to affect the surrounding area or any groundwater which may be encountered. All drilliug 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 deployntcnt 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 from existing roads to access drill sites. Spur roads constructed as part of this project will be reclaimed upon completion of drilling. These roads will be constructed on grade to limit disturbance and avoid cut and fill construction. If additional disturbance is required, topsoil will lust be recovered and stockpiled. Where ever possible, drilling will be conducted along the side of roadways thus minimizing disturbance. Site locations have been selected such that no drill pads will need to be constructed.