(a) This subchapter is intended to establish a policy for snowmaking that supports and is consistent with section 1001 of this title and with chapter 47 of this title, including the water quality standards.
(b) This policy established under this subchapter is to:
(1) assure the protection, maintenance, and restoration of the chemical, physical, and biological water quality, including water quantity, necessary to sustain aquatic communities and stream functions;
(2) help to provide for and enhance the viability of Vermont’s ski industry, which uses certain of the State’s waters for snowmaking;
(3) permit water withdrawals, diversions, impoundments, and the construction of appurtenant facilities for snowmaking, based on an analysis of the need for water and a consideration of alternatives, consistent with this policy and other applicable laws and rules;
(4) recognize that existing users of the State’s waters for snowmaking, which may have an adverse effect on water quality, should have time and opportunity to improve water quality.