DEEP Tentatively OKs Southington Ski Area's Snowmaking Water Permit

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has issued a tentative decision to approve a water diversion permit for the Mount Southington Ski Area, allowing the ski resort to continue withdrawing water from an on-site pond for snowmaking operations.

The consolidated notice, published July 7, also announces DEEP's intent to waive a public hearing unless a qualifying petition is received.

The permit application, filed by Mt. Southington Ski Area Inc. (Application No. DIV-202606169), covers water withdrawals from an on-site pond at 396 Mount Vernon Road to support snowmaking activities.

According to DEEP, the permit would authorize the ski area to withdraw up to 3.6 million gallons of water per day from the pond during the snowmaking season.

The agency determined the proposed diversion is:

• Necessary for the project.
• Not expected to significantly affect long-range water resources management.
• Not expected to impair the proper management and use of the state's water resources.

The permit applies to withdrawals from the on-site pond and nearby wetlands and includes numerous operating conditions.

Among them:

• Water withdrawals are limited to the period between Oct. 31 and April 15.
• The ski area must install and maintain flow meters to measure water use.
• Daily withdrawal records must be kept.
• Annual reports documenting water use and conservation measures must be submitted to DEEP.
• DEEP may restrict withdrawals during declared local, regional, or statewide droughts or if the diversion adversely affects water quality, fisheries, aquatic habitat or public health.

The proposed permit would remain in effect for 25 years.

Although DEEP intends to waive a public hearing, members of the public may request one by filing a petition within 30 days of the July 7 publication date.

Under state law, a hearing will be held if the agency receives a petition meeting the applicable legal requirements.

DEEP is also accepting written comments on the application during the 30-day public comment period.

Comments should reference Application No. 202606169 and be submitted to the agency's Water Planning and Management Division.

Interested residents may review the application and supporting documents through DEEP or request electronic copies from the department before a final decision is issued.