Environmental Practices
Nestlé Waters is committed to environmental stewardship, and takes an active role in protecting our water resources, reducing packaging, and improving manufacturing and transportation efficiencies, and supporting recycling wherever it operates. In Chaffee County, Nestlé has some special opportunities to fulfill these committments.
Habitat Conservation and Protection
Nestlé is committed to protecting the springs and associated habitats on its properties in Chaffee County. Both the Ruby Mountain Springs and Bighorn Springs properties, which possess important bighorn sheep and wetland habitats, will be protected under Land Management Plans approved by Chaffee County, the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Ultimately, both properties will be placed into permanent Conservation Easements.
A significant benefit of the project is the future Ruby Mountain Springs Habitat Reclamation "ERPA" of the dilapidated hatchery site along the Arkansas River. All structures and infrastructure associated with the existing residences and fish hatchery will be removed, and the site reclaimed to enhance the riparian and wetland habitat. Nestlé Waters is committed to working closely with stakeholders in the restoration project, including the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW), Colorado Mountain College Natural Resource management Department and other local specialists.
Protection of Water Resources
From the outset of the Chaffee County project, Nestlé has conducted comprehensive hydrogeologic studies to assess aquifer characteristics, determine safe sustainable yield of the aquifer feeding the springs, evaluate potential effects on nearby streams and water users, and to ensure the springs are stable, prolific, and yield high-quality water.
Since early 2008, water table levels and water quality have been monitored from a regional "GW" monitoring well network located between Ruby Mountain Springs and Johnson Village. The results are being used to evaluate seasonal variations in water table levels, recharge sources, and influences on spring flow. Long-term monitoring of hydrologic and environmental conditions throughout the life of the Nestlé’s operations will be used to help ensure that spring water withdrawals are sustainable and cause no adverse affect. Each year Nestlé Waters is required by the County to submit and Annual Report of its operations including long-term monitoring.
To verify the sustainability of the water resource under Nestlé Waters’ withdrawals, several extended pumping tests have been conducted on the production well during high and low water-table seasons. The results of these tests show Nestlé’s spring water withdrawals are sustainable with no significant impact to the springs, other water users, or the Arkansas River.