I have to admit, snowboarding in the powder was AWESOME! But now that I think of it, was that powdered snow bad for the environment? It never occured to me that the snowmaking process could be the source of some pollution! The generators inside the machines produce so much pollution….
BUT! Little did I know my opinion would change! When researching this topic, I did not give up. I knew somewhere someone would really delve into the topic and explain the true process when it came to making snow artificially. I came across an assessment written by toxicologist Dr. Christopher J. Borgert who firmly explained how polyether-modified siloxanes (PEMS) played a significant role in the snowmaking process.
This ingredient that is used in snowmaking has in fact low toxicity. In fact, PEMS are “exprected to degrade under most environmental conditions, including in most soils, streams, and lakes”. In the atmosphere, PEMs photo-oxidize when contracted by sunlight and water vapor. However, PEMS can cause severe toxicity to plants, but only in a large concentration. Only a large accidental spill would be expected to cause any real damage to plants.
Therefore, there is no specific environmental or ecological impact that is expected from PEMs materials, particularly at the rates and “under the intensely aerobic conditions under which these products are used in snowmaking”. That is a relief to hear! Now I can snowboard guilt free!
Sources:
APimages.com
www.driftsnow.com/environmental-impact.html?lang=1
As I started to read Rachel’s article, I couldn’t help but be relieved because a few days ago, I read blog of Nate’s, where he talked about artificial snow. The whole time, I just wondered “Is artificial snow bad for the environment, an air pollutant, or water pollutant?” Rachel has finally answered my ages long question!
Well, she has partly answered my question. I’m wondering more about these PEMs. Is there a high chance that these toxins will spill somewhere? Will they not admit it if it does spill somewhere, like in certain cases of oil spills?
And I’m sure carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere through the transportation processes of snow machines. And they must be using some sort of gas to run.
By: EnvironmentallyElated on January 7, 2009
at 12:14 pm