Pollution can take a number of different forms; chemical pollution of water bodies and noise pollution from machinery are of most concern to communities surrounding golf courses. Even the most sustainable courses cannot totally eradicate the potential pollution risks from sources such as chemicals, waste water, soil erosion, grass clippings and machinery operation. It is essential that you are aware of these and that you have plans in place to avoid potential incidents.
Key elements in devising a pollution prevention strategy include:
- undertaking a risk assessment of all operations to identify threats
- drawing up policies to eliminate or minimise these threats
- assigning responsibility to staff to ensure compliance with these policies
- educating all staff on the need to follow agreed policies
- keeping accurate and up-to-date records of all materials that pose a pollution risk
- working with close neighbours to reduce noise pollution through use of quieter machinery and reasonable timing of operations
- being aware of legislation regarding the safe management and disposal of potential sources of pollution
- being transparent with your strategy to reassure regulators and the community.
Consulting with specialists is advisable at all stages of this process.
Polluting local ecosystems, even by accident, can lead to penalisation under a growing body of environmental legislation, often with significant monetary fines. Proactive containment planning, in conjunction with specialists, will ensure that the impacts of any pollution events will be effectively managed.
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Allowing dirty water to run directly into water courses is bad practice and is often in breach of environmental legislation.
Golf courses close to water features need to be extremely careful not to pollute. Great care is required when applying fertiliser and pesticides.
Golf courses in urban areas can be the lungs of the city, as here in Frankfurt, Germany.
Noise pollution must be controlled, particularly if managing a course close to housing.