2009-04-15_REVISION - X200923100

Home Browse Search

5) Describe Exploration Activities I'roposcd. l tjoration Activities: The primary methods of exploration and geologic and chemical data collection proposed in this application include exploration drilling, geoph\steal logging. and sampling. followed by reclamation ofall exploration disturhances, as more specifically described in the tollrn? ing sections. The 2009 exploration program involves 15 exploration drillholes to further delineate and characterize geologic conditions. coal seam occurrence and quality, and overburden physical and chemical characteristics. The drillholes are desiumated as ccu034 through ccu048. \\ till an additional numeric dcsCriptor to he added to designate the year in which each drillhole is completed (e.??.. 2009ccu040). This identification sequence is a continuation front the 2007 and 2008 exploration N\ork permitted by Colorado Coal Resources, H,C (an affiliated compam ) for the Sage Creek project area. Each of the proposed 2009 drill-sites are shomi on Map I, and listed in Table I . Depending on drilling conditions. core recovery, and data requirements. the potential exists that it mad he necessary to oft-set from an initial drillhole location (no more than -0 feet and \\ithin the sane drill pad disturbance area) and "twine the original drillhole fir the purpose of further sampling or geologic It\drologic testing. However, "twinning" of any hole kill not occur prior to neccssarv approvals by C'DR%IS, and if necessary. BIAI. Sa-c Creek plans to initiate exploration activities irnmedlatcIN' upon receipt of requirCd approvals, and continue as weather and uround conditions allow. Sage Creek also needs to evaluate surticial geology and slope stability for possible facilities placement and portal excavation %\ithin a defined block area of' approxlrnately 20 acres (sllo%?'n on Map I A). Selected portions of this block area "ill he evaluated through sltalloll' drilling. Glben that drillhole placement and sampling \\ ill be defined by the results of both initial and ongoing site "ork. Sage Creek is proposing phased geotechnical investigations within the defined block area. No more than 30 holes \\ Ill be drilled ?\ithin the defined block area. The holes mll range in depth Isom 50-150 feet (avg. 7511). The shallow geotechnical holes shall continue the same numbering system but add a "gco" code at the end to designate the hole as drilled fir geotechnical investigation (2009ccu0 f9geo). Sage Creek Holdings anticipates drillingo ccu0;8 and CCU04 3 during the \\ inter Illonths. Fxploration sites ccu034, t)35. 0-16. 037. 039 and 040 can he drilled at anv time of the year (inCluding the Nlav I - JUI\ I grouse breeding and nesting season). I:.xploration acti\ hies at the remaining seen sites ill occur after July I, and in the case of ccu041. 042. 045 and 046 after September I". Geotechnical work \\ill be completed outside the nesting season (July I" to October 3I''). away from Ick and nesting sites (refer to \?ildlife Map 3), and areas not identified as grouse habitat (adjacent to CCU036 - a site \\ ith no timinu, restrictions). It is anticipated that drilling activities will be completed by the end of 2'009. although \\eather or other unanticipated delays may result in extension ofthc activities through tall of 2010. Sage Creek plans to schedule drilling operations on a I2'-hour per day basis (approximately 7:00ant to 7:00pn1): ho\\cver. Sage Creek requests permission to conduct operations on a 14-horn- per day basis if unforeseen delays cause the project to fall behind schedule. In the event of \\inter drilling activities. Sage Creek will coordinate \\ till the CROW to keep specific gates locked to preclude public access, and to avoid areas of critical \\ inter range. Sage Creek will also coordinate \\ till the ()(AV to minimize potential impacts during the Columbian sharp-tailed grouse hunting season (September 1 to September 21 ). Sag,- (7e,,k Pro/et9 201)9 At 040809 K