22 Nov ROUND UP: NOTEWORTHY: MONTANA’S BRIDGER BOWL SKI AREA RECEIVES EPA’S 2024 REGIONAL POLLUTION PREVENTION AWARD

This Fall, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the winners of its 2024 Regional Pollution Prevention Recognition Awards. Bridger Bowl Ski Area, located 30 miles north of Bozeman, Montana, is among three businesses to receive the award within Region Eight, which encompasses Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming, and 28 Tribal Nations. “EPA’s Pollution Prevention Recognition program celebrates businesses that have incorporated pollution prevention measures into their practices,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker in a press release. These measures reduce, eliminate, or prevent pollution at its source, prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal. “Awardees’ efforts are a testament to the fact that we can reduce environmental impacts and create efficiencies, all while saving money and strengthening economic growth.”

Bridger Bowl’s recognition comes on the heels of the ski area’s efforts to reduce electricity use by using LED and motion-activated lighting and installing an on-site 50 kW solar array. The ski area also implemented a free transit and carpool incentivizing program for guests and employees, and the rental shop eliminated the use of petroleum-based ski wax, which contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), replacing it with plant-based WEND wax.

COURTESY OF BRIDGER BOWL SKI AREA

“Bridger Bowl Ski Area’s commitment to sustainability through the protection of land, staff, and guests is a significant part of our strategic planning and vision,” says Bonnie Hickey, sustainability director for Bridger Bowl. “Therefore we are thrilled to be recognized by the EPA for our pollution prevention and money-saving energy and resource efficiency efforts.”

In addition to Bridger Bowl, the EPA recognized two other winners in Region Eight: Revvity, of Lafayette, Colorado, for process improvements to the filtering and purification of primary materials used in manufacturing; and Breckenridge Grand Vacations, of Breckenridge, Colorado, for modifications made to snow-melt systems at their Grand Timber Lodge and The Grand Colorado on Peak 8 properties.

For more information about the recognition program and other regional winners, visit epa.gov/p2/epa-regional-pollution-prevention-recognition-program.