Charakterystyka głównych geotypów obszarowych ocen podatności wód podziemnych na zanieczyszczenia

hearticle presents a proposal of the classification of hydrogeological and environmental conditions in relation to diffe-rent intensities of the impact of factors affecting groundwater threat in assessments of groundwater vulnerability to pollution. Due tothe complexity and high degree of transformation of the natural environment, including aquatic, types of areas subjected to ordinaryand strong anthropopressure, the so-called Area Geotypes (GO), are distinguished and discussed. The main factors characterizing theimpact of mining activity on the water environment (typical and specific) are discussed, and the mine’s characteristics are highlighted,emphasizing its role and importance as an influator constituting a large, multifactorial source threatening the groundwater environ-ment. The role of the mine as an influator is presented against the background of the mine’s “life cycle”(development phases) alongwith an indication of the desirability of carrying out assessments of groundwater vulnerability to pollution and groundwater threatassessments. The need to develop legal regulations regarding the preparation of vulnerability assessments is indicated.