2013-07-01_PERMIT FILE - X201322801 (3)

Home Browse Search

BLM Uncompahgre Field Office Sunset Trail Area Coal Exploration Plan EA road width disturbed area would be 40 feet. The analysis uses an average of 35 feet of disturbance width. The drill sites have been located so temporary roads are as short and disturb as little ground as possible and still provide reasonable access and appropriate coal data. Topsoil will be stockpiled and redistributed at reclamation. Erosion control structures such as water bars will be installed as required and will be constructed in accordance with regulations and stipulations. Any culverts placed will be removed at the completion of the project. 2.2.5 Drill Site Construction Drill sites will be 0.46 acres of disturbance or smaller. Drill site sizes and dimensions were reviewed and field fitted to topography with the aid of Forest Service representatives. A bulldozer (D -7 or smaller) will clear brush and small trees from the drill pad. Topsoil will be removed and stockpiled on the upslope side of the drill pad and remain undisturbed during drilling. Up to one foot of topsoil thickness will be salvaged and stockpiled at the disturbance site with a "TOPSOIL" sign clearly marking the pile. Drill sites will be leveled by grading. Slurry (mud) pits will be made on the drill pad. One or two pits will be excavated at each site depending upon depth of drill hole and projected water requirements. The mud pit(s) will be approximately 10 feet wide, 30 feet long, and 6 feet deep. Subsoil and rock materials will be stockpiled within the drill pad clearing and used to refill the mud pits at reclamation. Erosion and transportation of sediment will be minimized through stormwater controls. Using the existing roads or trails will minimize disturbance. Where possible, the existing vegetation will be left to reduce the need for sediment control. Using existing level areas for drill pads will minimize surface disturbance. Salvaged soils will be placed adjacent to the drill pad with appropriate sediment control devices surrounding the down slope portion of the soil stockpile. A similar sediment control device will be placed on the downslope side of the subsoil /rock stockpiles from the slurry (mud) pits. 2.2.6 Methods and Equipment for Drilling Rotary drilling and coring on each site will be completed using a rubber- tired, truck- mounted drilling rig. To aid in the reduction of surface disturbances, ALC will use the smallest possible drill rig that can be used safely and successfully. Support equipment may consist of one or two water trucks, one rig -up truck, a pipe truck, flatbed trailer, one or more air compressors and /or boosters, a supply trailer, and three 4 -wheel drive pickups. Water sources for drilling operations will be nearby streams, where MCC owns the water rights, or stock watering ponds. Water from streams will be either pumped or trucked to the sites. If pumped, pipes (1 -inch polyvinylchloride or 2 to 3 -inch hose) will be laid alongside the roads and undisturbed ground surface. If trucked, about two 4,000 - gallon water truck trips would be needed per site. The use of these water sources will be approved by the agency or party owning the water rights. In the event stock ponds are used, minimum water levels will be established to ensure sufficient water is left for stock and wildlife. Removal of sediments and other maintenance of stock watering ponds within proximity to the exploration sites will provide improved water storage for drilling operations and long term use for wildlife and livestock. Sediments removed from ponds will be placed on the pond embankment, wheel - rolled, and seeded. Water consumption is estimated at 5,500 to 8,500 gallons per drill hole (0.017 -0.026 acre feet). No water storage tanks will be needed. June 2013