September 16, 2024 

Contact Information

Honor Morgan (morgan.honor@epa.gov) 

Bozeman, Mont. –– Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Bridger Bowl Ski Area of Bozeman, Montana, is among three winners of Region 8’s 2024 Regional Pollution Prevention Recognition Awards.  These businesses have demonstrated leadership in innovative pollution prevention (P2) practices which reduce, eliminate or prevent pollution at its source prior to recycling, treatment or disposal. 

“EPA’s Pollution Prevention Recognition program celebrates businesses that have incorporated pollution prevention measures into their practices,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker.  “Today's 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 Ski Area is being recognized for the reducing electricity use through LED and motion-activated lighting, installing an on-site 50 kW solar array and implementing a transit and carpooling incentivizing program that is free for guests and employees. Additionally, they eliminated exposure of a petroleum-based ski wax, which contained Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by replacing it with WEND wax, which is a plant-based alternative.  These projects resulted in annual savings of 76.3 Metric Tons of CO2 and over $9,000 in annual cost savings.   

"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,” said Bonnie Hickey, Sustainability Director of Bridger Bowl Ski Area. “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 Ski Area, EPA Region 8 also recognized two other winners: 

• Revvity of Lafayette, Colorado for process improvements to the filtering and purification of primary materials used in manufacturing. The new filtering and purification method resulted in a 43.5% reduction in halogenated waste, 69.8% reduction in solvent waste, and a 100% reduction in solid hazardous waste.  This project resulted in a reduction of 12,990 lbs of hazardous materials and cost savings of approximately $125,000 in 2022.   

• Breckenridge Grand Vacations of Breckenridge, Colorado for modifications made to their snow melt systems at their Grand Timber Lodge and The Grand Colorado on Peak 8 properties. The system now leverages artificial intelligence (AI) weather forecasting to enhance the system’s adaptability, resulting in a reduction of 752 Metric Tons of CO2 per year, conserving 2003 MMBtus of natural gas per month and approximately $46,203 in cost savings. 

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