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

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BLM Uncompahgre Field Office Sunset Trail Area Coal Exploration Plan EA Drilling activities such as pad construction, road grading, or watering, will not be scheduled on opening weekend of big game hunting seasons to avoid user conflicts. There will be no stationary fuel storage on site. Fuel will be brought to the equipment by truck. If left on -site, the fuel truck will be parked on a prepared drill pad where drainage is contained on the pad and mud pit. Exploration activities will follow any required stipulations attached to the leases and lease modifications (ROD) (USFS, 2012b) (see Appendix A). 2.2.1 2013 Exploration Drilling Program Four exploration drill holes (SST -2, SST -4, SST -5, and SST -6) are planned to be drilled in the 2013 field season (see Table 1). These four holes are within the lease modification area of COC -1362. Temporary roads and drill sites will be developed (Figure 2). Upon completion of the 2013 field season and subsequent data review, ALC will determine if completion of the exploration plan with the remaining six exploration drill holes is warranted for 2014. If ALC determines further exploration drilling is not warranted, unless the drill sites and access roads will be used as future methane drainage well (MDW) locations, they would then be reclaimed. If further exploration is warranted, the edges of temporary roads would be reclaimed to a maximum 14 foot width running surface. Per USFS stipulations, waterbars and stormwater control devices will be placed at the end of the field season, even if the road will be used again in the next season. Culverts will be removed to allow unhindered natural flow events over the winter and spring. Site SST -6 may be kept open as a staging area for 2014 activities. 2.2.2 2014 Exploration Drilling Program If the results of the coal resource exploration from 2013 are favorable, exploration activities will continue during 2014 at sites SST -1, SST -3, and SST -7 through SST -10. Drainage control on temporary roads used for the previous year's exploration program will be reestablished. 2.2.3 Pre - drilling Activities On -site inspection of proposed drill sites and access routes was conducted with representatives from appropriate regulatory agencies to discuss site - specific concerns. A road was relocated to improve stream crossings and avoid steep slopes. State, Forest Service, and BLM regulatory personnel will be notified at least 48 hours before any construction or drilling equipment is mobilized. An authorized representative of ALC will supervise all construction and drilling activities. A copy of the exploration permit and all pertinent permit documents will be available from the ALC representative for inspection. Any proposed changes in the exploration plan after permit approval will be reviewed and approved by the appropriate regulatory agencies before changes take effect. 2.2.4 Road Construction Existing roads will be used whenever possible and movement of equipment across undisturbed land will be kept to a minimum. New roads will be constructed only when necessary and only as the drilling program progresses. A projected maximum 14 -foot road running width will be employed except in locations such as curves, where more width would be needed for the drill rig. Maximum June 2013