Laserfiche WebLink
3. If the surface is owned by a person other than the person who intends to explore, give a <br />description of the basis upon which the person who will explore claims the right to enter such <br />area for the purpose of conducting exploration and reclamation (attach supporting documents, <br />if applicable): <br />In the area proposed for exploration the surface owned by XTO Energy, Inc (XTO), State of <br />Colorado through the Department of Natural Resources for the use and benefit of the Division of <br />Wildlife (DOW), and private rural ranchettes overlying the NCE mineral ownership. NECC has the <br />option to acquire NCE The mineral ownership under the rural ranchettes is NCE by severance deed <br />book 375 page 362 in Las Animas County. Surface access is by provided by the mineral severance <br />deed (Book 575, Pages 362-368, Las Animas County Recorder's Office). Ownership is indicated <br />on Map 1 New Elk Mine Proposed Core Exploration Sites. The XTO lease was filed with Las <br />Animas County book 1086 page 259. The DOW lease was filed in Las Animas County Book 1075 <br />pages 1935-1969. The DOW requires an approved Notice of Intent filed with the state with <br />appropriate restoration bond. <br />4. Attach a description of the land to be affected. For example: The condition of the topsoil, the <br />general hydrology, type of vegetation and topography, Rule 2.02.2(2)(c). <br />The lease parcels are within an area with substantial natural gas production and the associated <br />disturbance from well pads, pipelines and roads. There are numerous activities in the area including <br />roads, gas development, grazing and a rural ranchette development. The elevation of the exploration <br />area ranges from 7160 to 8600 ft above sea level with an annual precipitation of 16-18 inches. The <br />topographic expression consists primarily of steeply sloping ridges and narrow canyons. Grazing is <br />limited in the canyon bottoms predominantly due to the sparse vegetation on the slopes. The area is <br />primarily pinyon-pine and juniper woodlands with interspersed grassland and mountain shrub land. <br />Mountain shrubs such as currant and mountain mahogany are abundant on the south facing slopes. <br />Topsoil depth varies by location. The soils are typically channery loam over sandstone at a depth of <br />13 to 20 inches. By name they are identified as Table Mountain Loam, Fuera Clay Loam or Priet <br />loam. They are good growth mediums for vegetation if sufficient water is present. <br />Streams within the proposed exploration area are ephermal, with stream flow in response to <br />precipitation events. Ground water is present in the coal seams. Sandstones in the area of focus are <br />typically lenticular and exhibit low porosity and permeability which precludes them from being <br />productive aquifers. Based on previous drilling programs the occurrence of groundwater will vary <br />throughout the exploration area. <br />5. Describe Exploration Activities; Rule 2.02.2(2)(g): <br />5a. Attach a narrative description of methods and equipment to be used to conduct coal <br />exploration activities. Include drilling operations, surface blasting, road or access route <br />construction, excavated earth and debris disposal activities. Also describe measures to be taken <br />to protect the environment: topsoil salvage, diversion of overland flow, settling ponds, etc. <br />Exploration activities will primarily consist of drilling and associated drill site construction. Limited <br />road construction will take place due to the extensive existing road network used in gas exploration <br />NECC N01 Attachment 5_10_10