2013-08-13_PERMIT FILE - X201323004 (2)

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COC74817 permits the licensee to request a modification of the exploration plan if geologic or other conditions warrant. Proposed Action: Due to the complexity of the geologic conditions BME proposes to modify their approved Coal Exploration Plan to allow for the drilling of up to 14 additional coal exploration holes in the approved exploration license area (see Maps 1 and 2) to help define the extent of mineable coal for the development of longwall panels. The exploration license area is north and west of existing coal leases and current mining activity. Total estimated new disturbance is 5.3 acres, 3.2 acres for the well locations and 2.1 acres for access. Access roads would be approximately 12 feet wide and would consist of over land travel without extensive disturbance. Access route selection was based on minimizing the extent of disturbance and limiting potential future public access. A truck mounted air -water drill rig would be used and drill hole depths would vary from 300 feet to 685 feet. Support equipment includes a pipe trailer or truck, auxiliary compressors and tools, a water truck and a support pickup. Mineable coal bearing strata and aquifers encountered would be grout - cemented through the zones and 50 feet above and below the zones. The rest of the hole, up to 10 feet of the surface, would be back filled with cuttings and mud. The remaining 10 feet would be cemented to surface with a hole marker cemented into the top of each hole at ground level. Reclamation of disturbed sites would begin following site abandonment. Drill sites would be re- contoured, reseeded, and all access roads not previously existing would be scarified and seeded with the seed mix identified in the attached conditions of approval for BME's Coal Exploration License COC74817 (see below). BME intends to drill the proposed holes starting in late summer 2013. Anticipated drill time per hole is expected to be one week. Design Features: See the approved Exploration Plan and the attached Conditions of Approval for the approved Coal Exploration License COC- 74817. Decision to be Made: The BLM decide whether or not to modify the approved Coal Exploration Plan for Coal Exploration License COC -74817 to allow for the exploratory drilling of up to 14 additional exploration holes and associated surface disturbance to delineate the existing coal resource in compliance with BLM's statutory obligations as outlined in 43 CFR § 3410. The BLM will also determine what conditions and limitations would be necessary to issue a modification. PLAN CONFORMANCE REVIEW: Name of Plan: White River Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan (ROD/RMP). Date Approved: July 1, 1997 DOI- BLM -CO -110- 2012 -0110 -DNA 2