2009-04-07_REVISION - X200923100

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5) Describe Exploration Activities Prowsed F'?xploration Activities: the primary methods of exploration and geologic and chemical data collection proposed in this application include exploration drilling, geophysical logging, and sampling. folloyyed by reclamation of all exploration disturbances, as more specifically described in the fi)llowing sections. The 2009 exploration program involves 14 exploration drillholcs to further delineate and characterize geologic conditions. coal seam occurrence and quality. and overburden physical and chemical characteristics. The drillholes are designated as ccu034 through ccu048. with an additional numeric descriptor to be added to designate the year in which each drillhole is completed (e.g.. 2009ccu040). This identification sequence is a continuation from the 2007 and 2008 exploration \\ork permitted by Colorado Coal Resources. I.LC (an affiliated company ) for the Sage Creek project area. Sage Creek also needs to evaluate surficial geology and slope stability for possible facilities placement and portal excavation yyrthm a defined block area of approximately 17 acres. Selected portions of this block area yyill be evaluated through shallow drilling. Given that drillhole placement and sampling will be defined by the results of both initial and ongoing site work, Sage Creek is proposing phased geotechnical investigations within the defined block area. No more than 30 holes will he drilled within the defined block area. The holes \kill ranee in depth li,om 50-150 feet (avg. 7511). The shallow geotechnical holes shall continue the same numbering system but add a "geo" code at the end to designate the hole as drilled for geotechnical investigation (2009ccu049geo). Each of the proposed 2009 drill-sites and geotechnical area are shomi on Map L and listed in l able L 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 -min" the original drillhole for the purpose of further sampling or geologic/hydrologic testis.;. floyyeyer. "minning" ofany hole will not occur prior to necessary approvals by CDRMS, and if necessary, l3LM. Sage Creek plans to initiate exploration activities immediately upon receipt of required approvals, and continue as yycather and ground conditions allow. Sage Creek I loldings anticipates drilling ccu038 and ccu043 during the \\ inter months. Lxploration sites ccu03-1. 035. 036. 037. 039 and 040 can he drilled at any time of the year (including the May I - -July I -,rouse breeding and nesting season). Fxploration activities at the remaining seven sites \\ill occur alter Jul\ I. and in the case of' ccu041. 042. 045 and 046 after September I". Geotechnical work yyill he completed outside the nesting season (August I" to October 31''). aN%ay from lek and nesting sites (refer to ysildlife Map 3). and areas not identified as grouse habitat (adjacent to C'C'11036 - a site \kith no timing restrictions). It is anticipated that drilling activities will he completed b\ the end of 2009. although \yeather or other unanticipated delays may result in extension of the activities through fall of _2010. Sage ('reek plans to schedule drilling operations on a 12-hour per day basis (approximately 7:00am to 7:00pm): hoyyever, Sage Creek requests permission to conduct operations on a 24-hour per day basis if unforeseen delays cause the project to fall behind schedule. In the event of yyinter drilling activities, Sage Creek will coordinate with the CDOW to keep specific gates locked to preclude public access. and to avoid areas of critical winter range. Sagc Creek \\ill also coordinate yyith the CDOW to minimize potential impacts during the Columbian sharp-tailed ,rouse hunting season (September I to September 21 1. . age ( reek l'rojea 1004 A )l ul (M nv g