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JCC proposes to conduct intensive geotechnical investigations involving up to 20 shallow (maximum depth 100 feet) drillholes and 2,000 feet of trenching within an area of approximately 10 acres within the 119 acre block area. In addition, similar geotechnical investigations will also be conducted for up to three smaller aeeas of approximately 0,5 acres each, within the 119 acre block azea. For each of the three smaller aeeas, up to 3 medium-depth drillholes (maximum depth 200 feet) and 300 feet of trenching may occur. In anticipation of the need for some flexibility in conducting the phased geotechnical investigations, JCC had the cultural resource contractor clear both the 119 and a potential 10 acre future facilities block aeeas, and will commit to avoidance of any potential wetland aeeas (based on standing water or wetland vegetation). Maximum surface disturbance within the 10 acre azea (119 acre block area) will be approximately 6 acres, and for the three 0.5 acre areas, a maximum of 0.5 acres each. Site Development. Exploration Access -Primary access to the proposed exploration area will be via existing Routt County Roads 37, 53, 59, 61, and 65, south of Hayden. As shown on Map 1, existing unimproved ranch roads and jeep trails will be utilized, to the extent possible, to access exploration drill-sites within the exploration area' JCC has specificaIly sited proposed drill-sites adjacent to existing roads and in aeeas of previous disturbance, in order to minimize any new disturbance associated with the proposed exploration activities. As exploration activities proceed, it is anticipated that minor maintenance of some existing roads may be necessary, including localized drainage, grading, and placement of gravel surfacing materials, however, these activities will be limited to the existing road envelope. There may be limited instances where direct access to a proposed drill-site is not possible using the existing roads. In these circumstances, drilling equipment maybe moved over the existing terrain without constructing new road, if ground conditions aze suitable to prevent rutting. If ground conditions aze not suitable for overland travel, it may be necessary to construct short connector road segments for access. In any case, the maximum requirement for all new road construction will not exceed 3,000 feet. Any new road segments will be a maximum of 14 feet in width (slightly wider for comers or curves) and, as temporary roads, will be pioneered to follow the existing terrain. For any new road disturbance, existing topsoil will be removed and windrowed to the side of the road for use in road reclamation. Erosion control structures, such as water bars and culverts, will be installed where needed, and in accordance with applicable regulations. Site Develonment, Drill Pad 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 topsoil material will be stripped to a maximum depth of approximately I S inches and stockpiled on the uphill side of the pad. Stockpiled material will be clearly marked with a "topsoil" sign. Runoff and sediment contributions from the topsoil stockpile will be controlled through placement of a silt fence or berm (approximately one foot in height) downgradient from the stockpile. After stripping and stockpiling the available topsoil, minor grading and leveling will be completed to establish the drill pad and accommodate the drilling and support equipment. As illustrated by Map 1, 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 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 azea for future use in backfilling the pits. All drilling fluids wIll be contained within the mud pits, and all drilling supplies will be contained within the azea 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 runoff and associated suspended sediment from the drill pad will be controlled and contained by a perimeter berm on the downgradient side(s) of the drill pad. G:\Environmental\EXPLORATION WORK\EXPLR 2006 BIG ELK\Big Elk 2006 NOI App. Fonn.doc Page 11 of 17