An area that is receiving increasing attention when focusing on environmental issues on golf courses is maintenance equipment washdown areas


Laurence Gale MSc investigates


REED ALL ABOUT IT


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ecent changes in legislation (Groundwater Regulations 1998 and updated in November 2008) have made it a criminal offence to knowingly allow the discharge or disposal of certain substances, including mineral oils and chemicals such as pesticides, onto the ground where they may percolate into, and contaminate, groundwater. Potential penalties for infringement of the law, could incur severe fines (up to £20,000). Consideration should also be given to the more recently introduced EU Water Framework Directive. Its main objectives include; “reduce pollution of water, especially by ‘priority’ and ‘priority hazardous’ substances, ensure progressive reduction of groundwater pollution and promote sustainable use of water.”


Nearly every golf course


maintains an area, or several areas, where they wash down their maintenance equipment such as mowers, chemical spreaders and tractors. In recent years there has been a drive to install appropriate wash down facilities to ensure compliance with the above legislation. The cost of these can be quite substantial and, in this current credit crunch climate, many clubs do not have the spare money or desire to address the issue. Unfortunately, this may lead to polluted wastewater from the wash areas flowing freely into nearby lakes, streams, ponds, stormwater or sewer.


Some of the pollutants found in the wash residue of maintenance vehicles and turf equipment are oils and grease, fuels, other hydrocarbon products, detergents, herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, fertilisers, nitrates,


John Chantrell, Head Greenkeeper at Lilleshall Golf Club


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