Through the Agency's investigation, it was discovered that Mt. Snow, LTD released compressor oil into Snow Lake. This release occurred during the cleaning of an oil/water separator unit, which is part of the area's snow making equipment.

The matter came to light as a result of a complaint from a local game warden and was investigated by Environmental Enforcement Officer Tim McNamara. McNamara's investigation revealed that the staff that was knowledgeable about the operation and maintenance of the oil/water separator unit had left the company, and their knowledge was not passed on to the remaining employees. The investigation also found that Mt. Snow was operating underground storage tanks without the proper permits. After the investigation was completed, Mt. Snow, LTD was notified of the violations, promptly worked to remediate the spill and agreed to settle the matter without going to trial.

The settlement was reduced to an Assurance of Discontinuance and was so ordered by the Environmental Court on November 29, 2006. In it, Mt. Snow, LTD agreed to obtain proper permits for all of its Category One tanks and to put procedures in place to insure the proper operation of all oil/water separators. As part of the settlement it was also agreed that a civil penalty of $8,000 will be paid to the State of Vermont for the violations and that $16,000 will be contributed to fund supplemental environmental projects.

Involved Program: Waste Management Division of the Department of Environmental Conservation

Environmental Enforcement Officer: Tim McNamara

For Further Information please contact:
Attorney Gary Kessler at 802-241-3820 or email to gary.kessler@state.vt.us