Comment
In that (Searchmont) has been producing artificial snow, where the run-off contributes to (already elevated) phosphorus levels in the river where 25% of samples collected (current ACS) as per PWQO clearly indicate that they are well above acceptable levels ALREADY
AN ASSIMILATIVE CAPACITY STUDY NEEDS TO BE CONDUCTED and operations should cease until a rigorous study is performed. It wouldn't be suspect to assume that a large part of the current phosphorus elevations are largely due to artificial snow making over a course of the last many years, and oversight should not have been ignored.
AFTERALL- compliance approval (s) had to be met in that the resort IS ALSO DRAWING THOUSANDS OF LITRES FROM THE RIVER PER DAY- ALREADY DECIMATING A FRAGILE ENVIRONMENT
Pseudomonus Syringae is a naturally occurring bacterium found on plants. Phosphorus occurs in the natural environment. Mother Nature has a means of keeping a natural balance when uninterrupted.
HOWEVER. This bacterium is the nuclei used (in a product called Snomax), as the binding agent to forced water droplets (fans and blowers) to create artificial snow used by Searchmont in their operations, with the capacity to create one foot per hour.
Mother Nature deals with this bacterium, but not in excess, where it SIGNIFICANTLY contributes to the creation of algea blooms.
Frozen ground does not allow any run-off to penatrate into the soil, therefore it takes due course to the river where ALL pollutants from ski resort operations end up.
Add to this effluent discharged into the river, as proposed, that is "effectively" treated (80-85%)...aquatic species don't stand a chance.
Supporting documents
Submitted January 4, 2026 10:12 PM
Comment on
Searchmont Ski Resort, Inc. - Environmental Compliance Approval (sewage)
ERO number
025-1121
Comment ID
180769
Commenting on behalf of
Comment status