2008-04-22_PERMIT FILE - X200822901 ‎(4)‎

• Permit No: X200822901
• IBM Index Class Name: PERMIT FILE
• Doc Date: 4/22/2008
• Doc Name: NOI Application
• From: Peabody
• To: DRMS
• Email Name: JDM
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

locations as the coreholes converted to monitoring wells, and completion of the offset
drillholes as groundwater monitoring wells (12 wells total)
• Abandonment (plugging and sealing) of coreholes and drillholes, and reclamation of the
associated exploration disturbance
The proposed exploration locations are generally in areas previously disturbed by historic coal
exploration or mining activities and/or agricultural operations, and have been located adjacent to
existing county roads, developed coal haulage roads or ranch roads, where feasible. It is
anticipated that no road construction will be required to access the sites, since most are adjacent
to existing roads or undeveloped jeep trails, and the proposed activities are planned for the period
of mid-June through October, when favorable ground conditions prevail.
Cultural resource surveys have been completed for 14 of the 21 locations. There were no
significant archaeological or cultural resources were identified for the surveyed sites. The
remaining surveys will be completed in spring of 2008 as soon as ground conditions allow access.
Based on previous experience in this area, CCR does not anticipate the additional surveys will
identify any significant cultural resources. CCR has consulted with the Colorado Division of
Wildlife (CDOW) regarding potential impacts to wildlife resources, and CDOW did not identify
any potentially impacted resources requiring avoidance or specific mitigation measures.
Reclamation of exploration disturbance areas will involve plugging and sealing the coreholes,
allowing the mud pits to dry and then backfilling the pits, regrading the drill pads, replacing
windrowed "A" and "B" horizon soil materials, and reseeding the areas. CCR has developed
reclamation seed mixtures in consultation with surface owners and CDOW. Two reclamation
seed mixtures will be used: 1) a dryland pasture mixture; and, 2) a rangeland mixture. For
purposes of reclamation liability and bonding, CCR has estimated the reclamation cost of the
proposed exploration disturbance is approximately $97,600.
CCR requests that CDRMS consider a three phase approval process for conducting the
Cow Camp 2008 exploration activities.
Phase I includes exploration sites CCU013 - CCU022. These nine sites are on
lands with executed surface access agreements, fully leased or fee coal resources
and completed cultural resource inventories. Exploration activities at these nine
sites can be initiated upon receipt of the necessary approvals (CDRMS, State
Land Board, Routt County Board of County Commissioners and BLM).
Phase II involves sites CCU028, CCU029 and CCU032. These exploration sites
are on lands with full surface and coal access, but lack a completed cultural
resource inventory (as of the submittal date of this NOI). Exploration activities at
these exploration sites will not start until the cultural resource inventory has been
completed and approved by CDRMS and the State Office of Archaeology and
Historic Preservation.
Phase III covers exploration sites CCU012, CCU019, CCU023, CCU024,
CCU025, CCU027, CCU030, CCU031 and CCU033. These nine exploration
sites are on lands with surface use access, but unleased federal coal. A Federal
Coal Exploration License application has been submitted to BLM to conduct
exploration activities at these nine locations. Exploration activities at these nine