Hermitage Club charged with permit violations

By Chris Mays

cmays@reformer.com @CMaysReformer on Twitter

WILMINGTON >> Construction and other development-related activities have the Hermitage Club in hot water.

According to a lawsuit filed by the Vermont Attorney General's Office, the group allegedly performed construction activities without land use permits; failed to comply with existing permit conditions; performed construction activities without a stormwater permit; discharged into state waters without a permit; constructed a building without a wastewater and potable water supply permit; altered a dam without authorization; and disturbed a significant wetland without approval.

The group owns and operates a private ski resort at Haystack Mountain as well as a nearby golf course and inn.

"Defendants engaged in extensive construction and development activities at the property without necessary state approvals," the document stated.

The state claimed Hermitage Club was told a stormwater construction permit was needed in 2011 when seven single family homes were being constructed and snowmobile paths were being relocated and created. Bridges to cross streams were also constructed while trees were cut and clear.

"Hermitage Inn obtained the Low Risk permits after-the-fact for these," the lawsuit stated. "In the fall of 2012, Hermitage Inn removed additional trees and vegetation. The tree cutting ... took place within a Class 2 forested wetland and buffer zone of an unnamed tributary to Cold Brook."

Between 2011 and 2014, the state claimed portions of construction projects connected with the ski resort were done without state permits which address environmental and other concerns. The state said a permit regarding a wind turbine's construction and electrical work in October 2012 was obtained in September 2013. Other "unauthorized work" involved excavating for a beginner slope, construction of a summit building, construction of a snowmaking line and construction of a ski lift.

During a November 2012 site visit, District Environmental Commission Stormwater Analyst Kevin Burke said he observed unauthorized soil and earth disturbance associated with construction near the beginner slope and ski lifts. He also noted a failure to mark construction limits and set up required fencing.

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Hermitage Club charged with permit violations