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An environmental group is reportdely considering a legal challenge to stop a proposed 800-bed development at Perisher in Kosciuszko National Park.

According to an ABC report, the Colong Foundation for Wilderness said it had visual evidence that Perisher's owner Vail resorts did not start work on the seven-building development by 1st October last year and, as a result, its concept approval had subsequently lapsed.

It has reportedly engaged the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) and written to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service seeking clarification of whether works had started.

Colong Foundation for Wilderness Director Keith Muir said the organisation had photograpsh taken in mid-October showing the developer had not started work on an interpretive trail and seating that would have signalled the start of construction.

The long-awaited development had a concept plan approved as far back as 2006.

Vail became its owners when it bought Perisher from James Packer and Transfield earlier last year for $176 million.

There have been ongoing concerns about the impact of commercial interests in the Kosciuszko National Park and potential impact of an extra 800 overnight guests in peak season.

The ABC has also reported that on-site sewage treatment plant breached its licence conditions in eight areas during the busy winter season last year.

This meant water with above acceptable limits of nitrogen, phosphorous, suspended solids and biochemical oxygen demand was released into the park's streams and creeks.

Park operators also moved an endangered sphagnum bog in 2014 to make way for the $4 million Freedom Chairlift for Perisher.

Muir said ski resorts had been moving protected plants and granite rock tors to make way for ski runs for many years, stating "so the bigger the resort the more slope grooming, the more removal of habitat for endangered mountain pygmy possums, burramys, the vegetation that they live on.

"That's a very significant impact on a threatened species."

In response, the NSW Department of Planning and Environment said a construction certificate was issued in June last year and department staff inspected the site on 1st November, and verified that work had started.

Robert Quirk from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service said while the concept plans were approved, any new buildings would have to have a separate development application.

Quirk stated "the approval, is approval as a concept only and a development application would need to be done and all those factors would need to be built-in to the assessment."

He said some of the sewage overflows happened during storm events, "there is no doubt it tested the system.

"The only advantages of those major storms is the dilation that occurs, the amount of water moving through the system, the actual impact is very minimal.

"The sewage system has very tight licensing requirements, any time there is a breach it has to be reported. They all get reported back to the EPA, they get assessed, they get cleaned up."

In a statement Perisher Ski Resort Chief Operating Officer Peter Brulisauer said Vail Resorts' environmental efforts at Perisher were focused on protecting the natural habitats and wildlife in Kosciuszko National Park.

Brulisauer stated "towards this end, we have closed off parts of the resort for the protection of the mountain pygmy possum.

"We have planted over 7,000 native shrubs, trees and grasses throughout the resort since 2013.

"In addition, the construction of animal crossings to safely guide wildlife across ski slopes has resulted in the protection of the Mountain Pygmy-possum and other small mammals.

"Perisher Ski Resort (is) committed to caring for and preserving the natural environments in which we operate, including conserving natural resources, lessening our footprint and engaging our employees, communities and guests as we strive to protect these iconic locations."

Images: An artist's impression of the redeveloped Perisher Village (top) and the Colong Foundation for Wilderness says this photo taken on 20th October last year shows work had not started on time on a chair and interpretive trail at Perisher (below - courtesy of Colong Foundation for Wilderness).

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6th July 2015 - VAIL RESORTS COMPLETES PERISHER ACQUISITION 

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11th April 2015 - VAIL’S PERISHER PURCHASE TO IMPACT AUSTRALIAN SKI PASS PRICING

3rd April 2015 - PERISHER SKI RESORT SOLD TO US COMPANY VAIL RESORTS

15th May 2009 - PERISHER VILLAGE PLAN GETS GO-AHEAD

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