SPRING2017
MLBLUE
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words :: Carmen Kuntz
Minimizing the environmental impacts of a mountain resort is a balancing
act. From chairlifts to snowmaking, waste management and night ski
lights, challenges change based on season, local weather and climate.
“We are in a business that is sensitive to environmental concern,” says
LindsayAyers, Director of Planning and Environment at BlueMountain Resort.
“We are committed to being a great business and to being as sustainable as
possible.” Staying on the ball environmentally has kept her busy for over
ten years. She is responsible for looking at BlueMountain Resort (BMR)
from head to toe; above ground, underground and from the sky.
WATER
The vast majority of eastern NorthAmerican resorts rely on snowmaking
systems. Each season the amount of water used to create snow varies
but Blue’s water use goals remain the same: take only what you need and
ensure water quality remains high.
“We take only a small proportion of what we are permitted to take
from Georgian Bay,” says Ayers. Water is taken via BMR’s pumphouse
at Northwinds Beach and drawn underground to the resort. The Ontario
Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change grants the resort a permit
to take water, which includes limits. With geography to thank, water use
at BMR cycles in a closed loop systemmeaning that most of what is
taken, is also returned.
“About 90 percent of the water drains back into Georgian Bay, with some
water being lost to evaporation,” says Ayers. Use increases in winter
months for snow production, but decreases in the summer.
Stormwater samples are tested by a third-party laboratory on a monthly
basis spring through fall for various water quality parameters and a
benthic invertebrate and fish habitat study is conducted every five years
by one of BMR’s environmental consultants. The resort also recently
updated its Trail Construction andMaintenance Best Management
Practices manual to ensure it is applying the most appropriate measures,
including erosion and sediment control, during development activities.
HEIGHTENEDAWARENESS
HOWMOUNTAINRESORTS,ANDGUESTS,CANBEBETTERENVIRONMENTALCITIZENS
ENVIRO
BLUEMOUNTAINRESORTS
