SAM Magazine - Malone, N.Y., October 24, 2008 - New York ski resort Titus Mountain and the ski area's former manager, Zachary L. White, have been charged with one felony and three misdemeanor violations of Environmental Conservation Law by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Division of Law Enforcement. The charges stem from an alleged intentional discharge of sewage from the resort. According to the charges against both the resort and Zachary White, the sewage was intentionally discharged into a tributary of the Salmon River via a pipe from the ski area's lodge and other facilities to a culvert. The culvert fed directly to a stream that flows into the Salmon River.

White, 44, of Malone, N.Y. was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to all charges. He was released under his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear before the court on December 17th.

Titus Mountain, Inc. was issued a summons to appear in the Town of Malone Court on October 30th.

"The protection of the natural resources of the state is important to the wellbeing of our citizens and their associated quality of life," said DEC Region 5 Director Betsy Lowe. "This investigation and enforcement action demonstrates the DEC's commitment to seek out and stop pollution through its authority under Environmental Conservation Law."

The investigation began last April, based on information obtained during the New York State Police investigation of theft of electrical services at the Titus Mountain Ski Area.

White and Titus Mountain Inc. are each being charged with a felony for constructing and operating a disposal system that discharged sewage into the waters of the state without a permit; two misdemeanor counts for discharging sewage into the waters of the state; and one misdemeanor count for failing to register a petroleum bulk storage facility.

Also during the investigation, DEC discovered over 100 cubic yards of solid waste buried on the property. Charges related to the illegal solid waste disposal and other environmental charges are pending.

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