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5) Describe Exploration Activities Proposed Exnloration Activities: The primary methods of exploration and geologic and chemical data collection proposed in this application include exploration drilling, geophysical logging, and sampling, followed by reclamation of all exploration disturbances, as more specifically described in the following sections. TCC plans to dri112 exploration drillholes during 2007 to further delineate and characterize geologic conditions, coal seam occurrence and quality, and overburden physical and chemical characteristics. The drillholes are designated as WCK001 through WCK002, with an additional numeric descriptor to be added to designate the year in which each drillhole is completed (e.g., 2007WCK001). Each of the proposed drill-sites are shown on Map 1, and listed in Table 1. Depending on drilling conditions, core recovery, and data requirements, the potential exists that it may be necessary to off-set from an initial drillhole location (no more than 20 feet and within the same drill-pad disturbance area) and "twin" the original drillhole for the purpose of further sampling or geologiclhydrologic testing. TCC plans to initiate exploration activities immediately upon receipt of required approvals, and continue as weather and ground conditions allow. It is anticipated that the proposed exploration drilling will be conducted primarily between July and mid-September of 2007. However, to assure the completion of the drilling program in a timely manner and take advantage of drill-rig availability, TCC would like to reserve the option of drilling into late-fall and early-winter to assure completion in 2007. TCC plans to schedule operations on a 24-hour per day basis to minimize the overall time required to complete the exploration program. In the event that winter drilling is necessary, TCC will coordinate with the CDOW to keep specific gates locked to preclude public access, and to avoid any areas of critical winter range. TCC will also coordinate with the CDOW to minimize potential impacts to grouse leks and active raptor nests during critical use periods. Site Development -Exploration Access: Primary access to the proposed exploration area will be via existing Routt County Road 33. As shown on Map 1, unimproved ranch roads and jeep trails will be utilized to access exploration drill-sites within the exploration area. TCC has specifically sited proposed drill-sites adjacent to existing roads in order to minimize any new disturbance associated with the proposed exploration activities. Equipment will be moved overland the short distance between the existing roadway and proposed exploration pad without constructing a new road. Site Development -Drill-nad Construction; Maximum drill-pad dimensions will be 100 x 100 feet. Pad construction will begin with removal of existing topsoil material for use in reclaiming the pad. Available soil material will be removed to a maximum depth of approximately 12 inches and stockpiled on the uphill side of the pad. Stockpiled material will be clearly marked with a "soil material" sign. Runoff and sediment contributions from the soil material stockpile will be controlled through placement of a silt fence or soil berm (approximately one foot in height) downgradient from the stockpile. After stripping and stockpiling the available soil material, minor grading will be completed to establish the drill-pad and accommodate the drilling and support equipment. The selected drill-sites are located on gentle slopes or bench areas to minimize grading requirements. Mud pits will be constructed within the graded pad area. Generally two or three pits are required, with typical pit dimensions of 10 feet x 5 feet and 6 feet deep. The size of the required pits is dependent on the anticipated drilling depths and conditions. Materials excavated from the pits will be stockpiled on the margins of the pad area and used to backfill the pits after the drilling is completed. All drilling fluids will be contained within the mud pits, and all drilling supplies will be contained within the area of the drill-pad. If "twinning" of any drillhole becomes necessary, it is anticipated that the additional drilling would occur within the limits of the previously constructed drill-pad. Any WolJCreck Proj¢r NO! owosn_om 4