By Michelle Huitt, Assistant Vice President
With more than 15,000 golf courses covering approximately 1.7 million acres of land in the United States, these facilities can pose a significant risk to our environment. Golf courses typically have aboveground storage tanks with capacities of 550 gallons or less, which means that the tanks are not regulated by the states and do not require Financial Assurance. The tanks serve a variety of purposes, including storing diesel for the golf carts, as well as herbicides and pesticides used to maintain the grounds. Golf courses also contain various ponds and water features which require maintenance, and can also carry harmful contaminants throughout the property. Storage facilities onsite holding chemicals and fertilizers are also cause for concern. All of these golf course pollution scenarios are highlighted further below.
Herbicide and pesticide storage and use
One exposure that is unique to golf courses is the storage and application of herbicides and pesticides which require proper certification of all employees engaged in applying these substances. Although the new generation of pesticides are much safer than those used in the past, there is still a significant exposure anytime chemicals come into contact with soils and groundwater. Storage of pesticides/herbicides along with other chemicals and fertilizers is also a concern. Any leak or mixing of materials could lead to a significant pollution event.
Faulty or damaged storage tank equipment
Aboveground storage tanks can present an exposure in the event of a spill or leak, causing harm to the golf course environment as well as a hefty cleanup bill. It is very common to find aboveground tanks at golf courses which house various chemicals, pesticides, and fuels for daily use at the facility. The vast majority of claims come from damaged or faulty piping, with delivery of the product coming in a close second. Preventing the loss can be far less costly than the clean up cost and fines that may be incurred due to spills.
Drainage and irrigation problems
The average golf course uses 312 gallons of water per day for maintenance of the grounds. As this water flows through the property, it can pick up contaminants such as petroleum, pesticides, and fertilizers. Over-irrigation and stormwater runoff can exacerbate this type of contamination, leading to pollution conditions on and off-site.
While Financial Assurance may not be a requirement for the size and contents of the tanks used for golf courses, a pollution policy is an excellent way to protect assets if a release occurs from the tanks or other storage containers at a location. The PartnerOne Fuel Solutions program provides storage tank coverage, as well as Site Pollution coverage for cleanup costs at a tank owner’s facility due to releases from the site itself and/or scheduled tanks on the policy. It may also cover the batteries used in the golf carts and any other fuel storage systems on the premises. Coverage for storage tank liability only starts at $700 and can be expanded to include Site Pollution Liability if needed.
For more information, contact your PartnerOne Environmental underwriter today.
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Information for this article was obtained from the following sources:
https://www.organicconsumers.org/old_articles/corp/golf042604.php
http://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/12461331/number-us-golf-courses-steady-decline-says-report
FAQs
Drainage and irrigation problems
The average golf course uses 312 gallons of water per day for maintenance of the grounds. As this water flows through the property, it can pick up contaminants such as petroleum, pesticides, and fertilizers.
Is a golf course a point source of pollution? ›
Golf courses have the potential to be a nonpoint source of pollution. During the construction of a golf course, for example, erosion is a primary concern. Without adequate drainage and erosion control measures, water or wind may transport sediments off-site and into surface waters.
Is golf good or bad for the environment? ›
Compared to any other sport, golf requires more land per player. Due to the development of golf courses, natural habitats are destroyed and native species are forced to leave their homes. This also leads to soil erosion and water pollution due to sediment runoff.
Do they spray pesticides on golf courses? ›
Take Home Message. The Pesticide Specialist explained that pesticides are used on golf courses and other recreational areas to maintain the health and appearance of the turf.
How do golf courses pollute the environment? ›
Although dependent on the environment, golf courses are often criticized for their negative impact on their natural surroundings. From groundwater pollution caused by fertilizers and pesticides to loss of natural habitats and wetlands, the concerns are great.
Do golf courses contaminate water? ›
Water quality protection is another key issues associated with golf's use of water. Fertilizers and pest control materials that are not properly applied to turf have the potential to contaminate surface water and negatively impact the environment.
How do golf courses affect climate change? ›
Golf courses both emit carbon to the atmosphere and sequester carbon from the atmosphere. The balance of emissions and sequestration determines the climate impact of a golf course.
What are 3 sources of point pollution? ›
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines point source pollution as “any single identifiable source of pollution from which pollutants are discharged, such as a pipe, ditch, ship or factory smokestack.”
Is golf ball pollution something we should care about? ›
Traditional golf balls are crafted from synthetic materials like rubber, plastic, and metal, which can take centuries to decompose. As they break down, these materials release harmful chemicals into the environment, polluting water bodies and endangering marine life.
How can golf courses be more environmentally friendly? ›
Reduced Pesticide and Fertilizer Use
Too many pesticides can cause health effects to both your golfers as well as any wildlife in the area. Overuse of fertilizers can damage your plants and harm the environment. While utilizing both is an essential part of running a golf course, they're best done in moderation.
The worst sports for the environment include skydiving (massive relative carbon footprint), golf (water consumption and chemicals needed), auto-racing and other motor-vehicle sports (absolute carbon emissions), and motorized water-sports (fuel consumption and biosphere interruption).
How can I make golf more environmentally friendly? ›
How to Make Your Golf Course More Sustainable
- 22 Mar How to Make Your Golf Course More Sustainable. ...
- Use Eco-Friendly/Organic Fertilizers and Pesticides. ...
- Plant Drought-Resistant Grasses. ...
- Irrigate with Recycled Water. ...
- Go Electric with Carts and Maintenance Equipment. ...
- Green Your Clubhouse. ...
- Contact Soil & Water Consulting Today.
Chlorpyrifos: Extensively used in various settings, including golf courses, this insecticide can affect the nervous system in high doses. Glyphosate: Roundup, a commonly available herbicide, contains glyphosate, which has been associated with potential carcinogenic effects.
Why do golf courses have no weeds? ›
Golf courses typically frequently utilize pesticides, herbicides and other products to suppress weeds on the course, reduce the efficiency of the seeds, and improve the grass.
How do golf courses get rid of mosquitoes? ›
Stocking golf course ponds and lakes with fish, like Gambusia, that feed on mosquito larvae is an effective means of biological control. Applying the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis to bodies of water also can help reduce the number of mosquito larvae.
What are water hazards in golf? ›
Water Hazard - “A water hazard is any sea, lake, pond, river, ditch, surface drainage ditch or other open water course (whether or not containing water) and anything of a similar nature on the course.” (This part is true for both yellow and red water hazards)
What are 3 common pollutants in water? ›
Examples include microorganisms, (e.g., E. coli, Giardia, and noroviruses), inorganic chemicals (e.g., lead, arsenic, nitrates, and nitrites), organic chemicals (e.g., atrazine, glyphosate, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene), and disinfection byproducts (e.g., chloroform).
Do golf courses use potable water? ›
Often, courses will use multiple sources of water. According to a survey conducted by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) approximately 12% of golf courses in the US use recycled water for irrigation, which preserves potable water for human uses.
How might a golf course affect the water quality in a watershed? ›
Establishing a new golf course requires removing the original natural soil cover, which represents a potential for contamination of nearby streams, lakes and ponds through soil erosion and nutrient transport.
With more than 15,000 golf courses covering approximately 1.7 million acres of land in the United States, these facilities can pose a significant risk to our environment. Golf courses typically have aboveground storage tanks with capacities of 550 gallons or less, which means that the tanks are not regulated by the states and do not require Financial Assurance. The tanks serve a variety of purposes, including storing diesel for the golf carts, as well as herbicides and pesticides used to maintain the grounds. Golf courses also contain various ponds and water features which require maintenance, and can also carry harmful contaminants throughout the property. Storage facilities onsite holding chemicals and fertilizers are also cause for concern. All of these golf course pollution scenarios are highlighted further below.