Smugglers' Notch Resort Environmental Initiatives
Energy, Water Use, Water Quality, Solid Waste, Hazardous Waste, Wildlife Habitat, and Management, Training and Education

Note: Dates in parentheses identify a program’s inception. Text updated May 2008.


Energy
The Resort’s goal is to reduce its CO2 emissions by ten percent by 2010 from 2000 levels, and by 20 percent by 2020 for facilities existing in 2000. Measures promoting energy efficiency have resulted in a reduction of 567 tons of CO2 annually since 2003.

• Installed thermal covers on pools with high efficiency heaters in most applications (1995)


• Built all new residential development since 1996 with a 5-star energy rating


• Renovated older Resort facilities based on a 1997 energy audit


• Installed variable frequency drives on snowmaking pump


• Operate a shuttle service within the Resort, as well as daily weekend service between the Resort and Burlington and the Resort and selected nearby communities, in the Winter, to reduce vehicle traffic. Energy efficient club cars in Village (Summer 2002)


• Introduced Ski Cool to offer skiing guests an opportunity to offset their energy expenses related to skiing such as travel to Resort, lift operation. (Winter 2004-2005) During Winter 2007-2008, SkiCool was automatically included for all Pass and Badge purchases. Through a partnership with Native Energy, a portion of every Pass and Badge sale offset the CO2 emissions from skiing operations, in addition to day lift ticket purchases selected to participate in SkiCool.


• Converted the diesel fuel tank to biodiesel for use in off-road equipment (Summer 2005), tested biodiesel in a pilot program with snowmaking compressors (Winter 2005-2006)


• Purchased a high efficiency electric air compressor to replace three diesel snowmaking compressors. Remaining diesel compressors meet strict EPA emission guidelines


• Purchased 100 high efficiency HKD tower snow guns (Winter 2005-2006, 2006-2007)


• Converted heat system in Meeting House (a dining/programming site) from electric to more efficient propane (Winter 2006-2007)


• Implemented a No Idling Policy (Winter 2006-2007)


• Support to NuRide, Inc., an incentive-based ridesharing network to reduce miles driven/greenhouse gas emissions, by serving as reward partner (Winter 2006-2007)

Water Use
Water use initiatives focus on conservation and sound wastewater management.

Conduct annual water audits to check water pressure, ensure against leaks, and assure correct functioning of low flow fixtures in all Resort buildings (1995)

Constructed a Living Machine, a ecological wastewater treatment facility that processes 46 percent of the Resort’s wastewater (January 2000)

Switched to low flow faucets and toilets in all facilities (all construction since 2002, older buildings retrofitted)

Installed water-saving clothes washers in new construction with annual savings of at least 85,000 gallons for a ten-unit building (2002)

Water Quality
Water quality initiatives focus on controlling erosion and storm water runoff as well as remediating iron seep.

Issue annual Consumer Confidence Report to inform guests of source and quality of drinking water

Developed water quality remediation plan to address storm water, erosion and iron seep issues on mountain and Village properties (1999)

Installed storm water treatment system for Balsams condominiums (1997), West Hill development (Summer 2000), and North Hill community (2003)

Added a 20 million gallon snowmaking reservoir allowing increase of conservation flows at withdrawal points (2002)

Installed cover over wastewater lagoon to improve treatment process and eliminate potential for airborne pathogens (2003)

Installed vegetation buffers and swales in main parking area to minimize runoff to Brewster River (Summer 2004)

Partnered with the state and the Cambridge Conservation Commission to implement a $10,000 grant for iron seep remediation on tributary to the Brewster River (2005)

Instituted corrosion control for domestic water distribution system to reduce lead from solder and fixtures leaching in drinking water (2007)

Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Programs
Initiatives focus on reduction of waste, recycling and landfill diversion. Resort goal is to divert 40 percent of solid waste by 2010.

Implemented guest and employee recycling program at Resort (1991)

Compost pre-consumer food waste (1992)

Compost yard waste from landscaping crew (1992)

Recycle materials such as carpet, furniture and appliances from deconstructed and renovated buildings (2001)

Reuse leftover new building materials

Recycle sheetrock, vehicle tires, and computers

Eliminated use of Styrofoam in “to go” food applications

Use recycled paper in publications and photocopiers

Annual Spring clean-up day by employees at Resort

Hazardous Waste
Initiatives since 1992 have focused on reduction and management of hazardous waste.

Decreased solvent-based cleaner waste

Decreased ethylene glycol-based antifreeze

Decreased oil-based paints and stains

Increased user and environmentally friendly cleaners

Recycle paint thinner and reduced amount purchased

Eliminated acids from swimming pools in new construction and applied some retrofits

Wildlife Habitat
Initiatives focus on protecting and minimizing impact of Resort activities on local wildlife and habitat.

Banned herbicide use (1986)

Planted native species in a reclaimed stream area around Balsams (1998)

Planned construction of Aspens around wetlands (1999)

Identified regional black bear habitat and corridors, preserved critical areas during West Hill development with 100 acres put into conservation easement (2001)

Surveyed Bicknell’s thrush habitat and activity; scheduled construction around breeding season (2002)

First business in Vermont to participate in The Nature Conservancy's Wise on Weeds program; eradicated plant invasives from Resort gardens to promote healthier development of non-invasive plant species. (2007)

Compost garden debris to add as soil amendment

Seed with special mix of high altitude grasses on trails to limit erosion and run off

Assist Vermont Fish and Wildlife in annual restocking of Sterling Pond with trout by running lift for biologists to transport fish to summit in spring

Participate in Lamoille River clean up on a volunteer basis annually

Management, Training, Education

Conduct environmental assessments regularly

Wrote environmental policy; printed on trail map (1999)

Participate in Sustainable Slopes, the National Ski Areas Association’s program to combat climate change (annually since program’s inception in 2000)

Created environmental web page (Winter 2002-2003)

Endorse an Environmentally Preferable Products Purchasing Policy (2006)

Placed refrigerator magnets in all condominiums providing guidelines for recycling (2006)

Offer nature programs to inform guests of local ecosystems and human impact on the environment. Examples are Where’s the Bear and Our Forest Heritage. (ongoing)

Inform employees and guests about environmental initiatives through articles in employee newsletter, Explore Smuggs magazine and e-Notch News online newsletter

Other

Corporate member of the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS). Supports VINS’ rehabilitation efforts by adoption of one falcon and 18 kestrel raptors

Corporate member of the Green Mountain Club, the Vermont Natural Resources Council, and the Vermont Business for Social Responsibility

Resort managing director and owner Bill Stritzler is chairman of the Vermont Nature Conservancy Board of Directors

Guests participating in summer and fall hikes beyond Resort boundaries are encouraged to make a donation to the Green Mountain Club to support trail maintenance (average contribution yearly $3156)

More detailed information on these initiatives as well as a list of the Resort's environmental awards can be found at www.smuggs.com/environment