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19 nydrologlcai:y connecteC L,^,Z aCe 'Na�or <br /> Additionally, the preamble <br /> Water Regulations states that Era .r.tends to embrace t:,e <br /> broadest possible definition cf po,:t source consistent Wt <br /> r. <br /> the legislative intent of the 'SWA. ' ( 55 Federal Register <br /> 47990, 47997/1 , November 16 , i990 The prea7zle als- <br /> states that the requirements for point source discharger, <br /> are not applicable to the discharges to ground water unless <br /> there a hydrological nn tion Netween he ound water <br /> and a nea by surf ce water ; See 5 ; Federal ne_(3ister 47�=C <br /> 47997/3 , ) <br /> 1 . Historic Mining <br /> Clearly, as discussed in 1 a above , discharges f .om <br /> c <br /> abandoned mine adits are point soures -which require a <br /> traditional (rather than a sCOrm water NPDES permit <br /> However, Region VIII has not rude these pe;mlts a tiigr, <br /> priority because of limited -PA and State resources . EPA 's <br /> current permit writing practices and priorities lncorporat4 <br /> historic mine drainage into NPDES per-its for active mineq <br /> if the active mine influences the polluticn dlscnarged from <br /> the historic area. 7s1_addition, if the active mine owns or <br /> has control over an adjacent historic mining area , the <br /> active mine must also apply for an NPDES permit to control <br /> the,-discharge from the inactive area. Factors which <br /> increase our priority for r9quiring NPDES permits at <br /> abandoned mines are: active exploration, construction, <br /> plans for re-mining, viable ownership, and water quality <br /> impacts . The enclosed table outlines the Region' s <br /> priorities for writing permits and the basis Eor effluent <br /> limitations , <br /> In Region VIII , there are several active mines whlcn ha•,= <br /> permits for historic discharges One example is Crlppie <br /> Creek and Victor Gold (CCVG) , which maintains the perm: ; <br /> the Carlton Tunnel (CO-0024562) in Colorado . This histor _ , <br /> tunnel drains most of the Cripple Creek and victor Mlni^a <br /> District . CCVG is currently mining only on the surface . <br /> Although the company' s operations do not seem to be <br /> affecting historic mine drainage, the Company must continue <br /> to conTly with NPDES requirements because CCVG and its <br /> affiliates own or control most of the historic area . <br /> Further, the potential for connections between current and <br /> historic workings also necessitate a permit . <br /> Region VIII has several permits that exclusively regulate <br /> drainage from abandoned mines , such as the Leadvil:e Mine <br /> Drainage Tunnel owned by the Bureau of Reclamation (Co- <br /> 0021717) and the site of the former C14max Urad Mine and <br /> Mill (CC-0041467) . The Leadv: lle runnel dra:.as part of <br /> hlscoril; Lrddville Mining :)lstrict The Jrad sate is a <br /> 3 <br />