Environmental Responsibility
is Our Priority
Six Senses is a brand rooted in sustainability, environmental protection and community enhancement. For years it has been routinely recognized as a leader in environmental sustainability practices and design, community engagement, ethical practices, wellness and more.
During the course of planning for Hudson Valley, a team of experts conducted rigorous testing, reports, and drawings to inform and support responsible site design.
New York State's Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and local Town Code requires certain aspects of site design to be assessed, which are currently under review by the Town Planning Board and other identified state and local government agencies.
Fifteen of these categories are detailed below for further reading:
Access Improvements
To meet State Department of Transportation (DOT) standards on State Route NY-9G, the existing driveway will be adjusted for improved sightlines, and a left turn lane will be added, designed by a licensed traffic and civil engineering team.
In addition, out of an abundance of caution for the town, a new driveway will be added for emergency use.
Archeology
The State's Historic Preservation Office determined the project will not result in any impact to archaeological and / or historic resources.
Studies conducted in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's standards (36 CFR Part 61) were carried out for both the land and existing buildings, including extensive "shovel tests" and review of historic records.
Capacity
Properties of this nature normally operate at capacity levels below their limit. Our operations can support business fluctuations of up to 240 attendees at full property capacity. Outdoor event locations are designated to particular areas within the 236 acres, utilizing a minimum 500' buffer from any neighboring property. Events are limited to certain hours, per the Town's regulations.
Design & Engineering
Six Senses requires all properties to be built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver standards. LEED is the design and construction industry standard framework to ensure environmental responsibility, and includes requirements such as sourcing materials locally, designing energy systems such as solar and geothermal, building to high thermal (R-value) levels to reduce energy use, and specifying furnishings that promote healthy air quality. This also extends to landscape design, employing low-maintenance, native plant species, on-site production of produce, and responsible use of water.
Habitat
Based on reports completed by ecological experts and filed with the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the proposed project is anticipated to have little to no impact upon identified federal and state endangered, threatened and rare species with proper mitigation plans to be permitted through the DEC.
History
The existing structures date back to circa 1759, when Swiss farmer Hans Kroesper von Rotenfluh and his family cultivated the land. To highlight the existing structures Hans and his successors built, programming and activation initiatives are planned for numerous existing buildings.
Light
The site has been designed to fully comply with Night Sky / Dark Sky standards, ensuring that lighting levels are minimized and up-lighting is eliminated. A professional lighting designer created a photometric plan to assess light levels, measured in "footcandles," and the lighting plan adheres to the Town's Greenway Guide maximum footcandle limit.
Noise
The site's programming focuses on quiet and contemplative events and activities. To support this, extra steps were taken when considering the acoustics of the site plan, such as the addition of berms (landforms) and landscape buffers to reduce sound transmission.
Pre-fabricated construction methods will be utilized where possible. Property operations will adhere to the Town's sound ordinance.
Open Space
The existing and proposed structures are strategically located on a limited area of the land, rather than being spread throughout the entire 236 acre site. This specific area has already been cleared by previous owners. Less than 4 acres will be newly developed (for emergency access, drainage, etc.), ensuring that over 200 acres will remain in its natural state.
Operations
Six Senses Operations follows a rigorous Climate Action Plan led by a dedicated Sustainability Director that includes mandates, best practices, and communication centered on sustainability, audited by Six Senses' global Head of Sustainability. Practices include elimination of single-use plastics on our Journey to Plastic Freedom, use of compostable items, sustainable materials in uniforms, upcycling, and target a zero waste to landfill program. Sustainability is promoted through guest interaction at the "Earth Lab" and throughout the property.
Stormwater
The site was designed by licensed engineers to treat stormwater for quality enhancement, incorporating surface features like bioswales that facilitate infiltration of water back into the onsite subsoils, thus preventing runoff. The site benefits from having over 75% well-draining soils.
Traffic
A licensed traffic engineer completed a Traffic Impact Study for the State DOT, analyzing typical and peak traffic on State Route NY-9G, considering staff, attendees, and deliveries. The report concluded that even at a peak, the anticipated low traffic volumes would be within the existing roadway and intersection capacity.
Out of an abundance of caution, a left turn lane will be added at the entrance.
Shuttle service will be provided to local attractions and train stations to both minimize vehicles parking in nearby towns and encourage sustainable travel.
Waste Water Treatment
An onsite treatment system will collect, treat, and test all wastewater generated in accordance with strict requirements from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the County Department of Health (DOH). The treatment system, designed by specialized wastewater engineers, will be operated by trained personnel who are required to regularly monitor and report its safe operation.
Water
The site's two existing deep wells (both over 500' deep) have been monitored and tested to County standards by certified hydrologists. Their report concluded the existing wells' capacity (90 gallons-per-minute each) and recharge (refill) rates can more than adequately supply water to the proposed project, with no impact to adjacent property owners’ wells.
Water saving measures will be implemented including low-flow fixtures and water saving equipment, all standards for Six Senses.
All water usage will comply with County Department of Health regulations including treatment and testing.
Wetlands
Existing wetlands were surveyed and mapped by ecological experts and verified by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The site plan has no impact to Federal or State Wetlands, and the site layout has respected large (100' and 50' as defined by State and Town) buffers around all wetlands. No buildings are proposed in any wetlands or wetland buffers.