Laserfiche WebLink
Site Development - Exploration Access: Primary access to the proposed exploration area <br />will be via existing Routt County Road 27, southeast of Hayden, Colorado. Routt County <br />Road 27, as well as, existing graveled coal mine haul roads and unimproved ranch roads and <br />jeep trails will be utilized to access exploration drill-sites within the exploration area. PSCM <br />has specifically located proposed drill-sites adjacent to existing roads and in areas of <br />previous disturbance in order to minimize any new disturbance associated with the proposed <br />exploration activities. <br />There may be limited instances where direct access to a proposed drill-site is not possible <br />using the existing road network. In these circumstances, drilling equipment will be moved <br />overland the short distance between the existing roadway and proposed exploration pad <br />without constructing a new road. In accordance with Rules 2.02.2(2)(0 and 4.21.4(3)(a), <br />vehicular travel on other than established graded and surfaced roads will be limited to that <br />absolutely necessary to conduct the exploration. Travel will be confined to graded and <br />surfaced roads during periods when excessive damage to vegetation or rutting of the land <br />surface could result from such travel. <br />Site Development - Drill Pad Construction: The selected drill-sites are located on gentle <br />slopes or bench areas to minimize grading requirements. Maximum drill pad dimensions <br />will be 100 x 100 feet (see Figure 2, General Drill Site Layout). However, based on <br />observations by CDRMS representatives in August 2008, in many instances, it may be <br />appropriate to only disturb the immediate area surrounding the proposed drill hole and the <br />accompanying mud pits. <br />Construction will be conducted in accordance with Rule 2.02.2(2)(f) and 4.21.4(5). Prior to <br />earth-moving or excavations of any type, the A and B horizons will be salvaged and stored in <br />an area that will be.undisturbed and not subject to excessive wind or water erosion. At sites <br />that have been previously disturbed by agricultural or mining activities, if there is no <br />distinction between the A and B horizons, the topsoil will be salvaged as a single unit (letter <br />from CDRMS to Mr. Scott Cowman, dated October 6, 2008). The underlying subsoil <br />materials will, if necessary, be salvaged and stored in an area separate from A and B horizon <br />materials. After stripping and stockpiling the topsoil/subsoil materials, minor grading will be <br />completed to establish the drill pad and accommodate the drilling and support equipment. <br />Runoff and sediment contributions from the soil material stockpiles will be controlled <br />through placement of straw wattles or soil berms (approximately one foot in height) down <br />gradient from the stockpile(s). <br />Mud pits will be constructed within the graded pad area. Generally two or three pits are <br />required, with typical pit dimensions of 10 feet x 5 feet and 6 feet deep. The size of the <br />required pits is dependent on the anticipated drilling depths and conditions. Materials <br />excavated from the pits will be stockpiled on the margins of the pad area and used to backfill <br />the pits after the drilling is completed. All drilling fluids will be contained within the mud <br />pits, and all drilling supplies will be contained within the area of the drill pad. Any runoff <br />and associated suspended sediment from the drill pad will be controlled and contained by a <br />perimeter soil berm or silt fence on the down gradient side(s) of the drill pad. <br />Drilling Operations: A rotary drill-rig, capable of rotary drilling and spot-coring, will be <br />utilized for general exploration work. The drill-rig will be a truck; mounted, rubber-tired <br />unit, capable of operating in rough terrain. Support equipment will include, but not be <br />PSCM 2 011 NOI 14 April 2010