The Division is proposing to revise the general permit used by the Industrial Wastewater Program, which was adopted in 1991, authorizing construction and operation of sand and limestone mines that include a processing facility, water control system and settling pond. At the time of its adoption in 1991, it was the only Department general permit specifically developed for mining activities, and has changed very little since its adoption. Since 1995, the Department (through the Mining and Mitigation Program) has issued Environmental Resource Permits (ERP) covering a variety of mining activities including those activities covered by the general permit for sand and limestone mines. The ERP permit includes the review of the stormwater containment system for the mining and processing facilities. It also requires the facilities to meet surface and ground water quality standards. Given this, for those mines which have ERPs, the industrial wastewater general permit is redundant and does not provide additional water quality protection. Since October 1, 2007, all new mines will obtain coverage under the ERP. However, there are several existing mines that will need to continue to operate under this general permit until they expand and an ERP is required, or close. In short, as long as a facility holds a current ERP they will not be required to obtain the General Permit for Sand and Limestone Mines issued under 62-660.804, F.A.C. At this time, there are approximately 110 mines which are currently covered under a general permit for sand and limestone mines. However, approximately 70 of the mines are also covered under a current ERP permit. This leaves approximately 40 mines which would require continued coverage under this general permit.