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Land Uses -Prevailing land uses within the proposed exploration area include coal mining, unimproved rangeland and improved pastureland (livestock grazing), cropland (dryland hay), and wildlife habitat, with rangeland being the dominant land use. There is a long history of coal mining in the Williams Fork Mountains and adjacent areas, and much of the exploration area has been previously disturbed by surface mining operations. Several small abandoned underground mines are located in and in close proximity to the proposed exploration area, and active mining is ongoing to the northeast of the project azea. Cultural or Archaeological Resources -BTU-EC contracted with Metcalf Archaeological Consultants to complete a cultural resource survey of the 4 exploration drill-pad locations that have not been previously disturbed by surface coal mining operations. A copy of the survey report is provided in Appendix C. This survey did not identify any sites of significant cultural interest or sites potentially eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, within the proposed exploration areas. 5) Describe Exploration Activities Proposed Exploration Activities -The primary methods of exploration and geologic, chemical, and geotechnical data collection proposed in this application include exploration drilling, and geophysical logging, and sampling, followed by reclamation of all exploration disturbance, as more specifically described in the following sections BTU-EC plans to drill up to 10 exploration drillholes during 2006 to further delineate and characterize geologic conditions, coal seam occurrence and quality, and overburden physical and chemical characteristics. The drillholes are designated as drillholes PDS-06-O1 through PDS-06-10. Each of the proposed drill-sites are shown on Maps 1 and 2, and listed in Table 1. Depending on drilling conditions, core recovery, and data requirements, the potential exists for any of the proposed drillholes, that it may be necessary to off-set from the 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 geologic/hydrologic testing. BTU-EC plans to initiate exploration activities immediately upon receipt of required approvals, and continue as weather and ground conditions allow. [t is anticipated that the proposed exploration drilling will be conducted primarily during the late summer through eazly winter. JCC plans to schedule drilling 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, BTU-EC would coordinate with the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) to keep specific gates locked to preclude public access, and to avoid areas of critical winter range. Site Development, Exploration Access -Primary access to the proposed exploration area will be via State Highway 13 south of Craig, with access within the project area using existing mine and ranch roads, as shown on Map 1. BTU-EC has specifically sited proposed drill-sites adjacent to existing roads and in areas 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 [he existing road envelope. Erosion control structures, such as water bars and culverts, will be installed where needed, and in accordance with applicable regulations. Site Development, Drill-Pad Construction -Maximum drill-pad dimensions will be l00 x 100 feet (approximately 0.25 acres). 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 18 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. Ct\Documents and Settings\jrb\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK259\2006 Empire NOI Appl Fortn RLdoc Page !0 of 15