force of nature -- golf -- 2011 01 28 -- positive waves -- environmental audit -- usga -- modified...

8/7/2019 Force Of Nature -- Golf -- 2011 01 28 -- Positive Waves -- Environmental Audit -- USGA -- MODIFIED -- pdf -- 300 dpi

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Sample InHouse

Environmental Audit

The Green Space Industry

could adopt the following

OUTSTANDING, INNOVATIVE

and INTERESTING IDEAS

from the Golf Industry


3/23

January 28 t h , 2011

James Francis Moore

United States Golf Associat ion

Selected and adapted excerpts

Whenever golf course superintendents gather for an educational meeting,

its a sure bet that environmental issues will be discussed.

Although most superintendents are aware of the need to improve the en-vironmental aspects of their courses, it is often an uphill battle to con-

vince their employers that action should be taken.

This hesitation on the part of the course leadership to address environ-

mental issues is due to their failure to clearly understand the problems,

the belief that their course really is not much of a threat to the environ-ment, and the fear that any action might invite closer scrutiny from out-

siders.

It is the superintendents responsibility to make his or her employersaware of environmental problems that exist on the property.

Although they probably have raised the subject at meetings and indicated

a need for the organization to take action, many superintendents have nottaken the step of completing an inhouse environmental audit for theiremployers.

The following is a sample report to the leadership of a fictitious golf

course.


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Sample InHouse Audit

To The Green Commit teeFrom Golf Course SuperintendentDate 1/28/2011

The following report has been prepared for the Committee to provide in-formation about the environmental aspects of our golf course operations.

Many aspects of course management that have environmental ramifica-

tions are detailed in this report, including our current state of affairs and

options for improvement.

This report is an inhouse effort for the sole use of the Committee.

There are six major areas in which our course operations have the poten-

tial to impact the environment

Fuel Storage Pest control product and Fertilizer Storage

Equipment Washing and Pest Control Product Mixing Area

Water Use

Pest Control Product and Fertilizer Use

Wildlife Habitat


5/23

Fuel Storage

CONCERNS

Fuel storage is a major environmental issue for most golf courses.

The major problem areas are fire safety and the potential for soil and/or

ground water contamination.

Although safety issues are fairly straightforward, soil and water contami-

nation is potentially a much more difficult and expensive issue.

Leaking storage containers can cause tremendous environmental damage,and the cleanup of contaminated soil can be extremely costly.

CURRENT SITUATION

We presently are storing two types of fuel gasoline and diesel.

Our gasoline is stored in an underground tank that is more than 20 years

old.

We have followed federal guidelines for leak detection and monitoring,and so far we do not have leakage problems.

Our diesel fuel is stored in a 500gallon aboveground tank.

The tank is not leaking, but it is in poor condition overall.


6/23

CURRENT SITUATION ( CONTINUED )

It is mounted on a metal frame about eight feet above the ground to raise

the tank high enough for fuelling our equipment by gravity feed.

I am concerned about both tanks.

Should a leak occur in our underground tank, the cost of repairing the en-

vironmental damage could be extremely high.

Removal of the tank before problems occur is a far better option.

I have checked with a local contractor on the cost of removing our exist-ing 1,000gallon tank.

Assuming there is no leakage, removal and disposal of the tank and refill-

ing the cavity with the same soil should cost less than 3,000 dollars.

Our diesel tank also should be replaced.

The frame supporting the tank has been damaged by equipment bumping

into it, and the tank itself has been damaged by corrosion because it is

fully exposed to the weather.

Again, assuming no soil contamination, removal of the diesel tank should

cost less than 200 dollars.


7/23

OPTIONS

There are at least two good options for improving our fuel storage situa-

tion.

Both options include removing and replacing the existing storage tanks

before they cause us problems.

Underground tanks are being replaced on many golf courses with profes-

sionally designed and constructed underground structures that greatly re-

duce the possibility of leakage.

These structures are extremely durable and safe.

We would need to purchase either one unit that includes two internal 500gallon storage chambers ( one for gas and the other for diesel ) or two

500gallon structures.

The advantage of purchasing two structures is that federal guidelines aremuch simpler for units smaller than 1,000 gallons.

The disadvantage is that the two units will take up more space in our al-

ready limited maintenance facility area.

Regardless of the exact design, the units typically are installed on a con-crete slab and include collision barriers.

These units provide very good prevention against leakage, greatly simplifyleakage monitoring and cleanup, if necessary, and are far less objection-

able from a visual standpoint than our existing diesel tank.


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I have checked with the local fire marshall and have been assured theunits will exceed all local environmental and safety codes. I also contacted

several suppliers of these types of storage units and obtained estimates of

the purchase price, including installation.

Total cost for the two 500gallon units ( including pumps, monitoring de-

vices, slab construction, etc ... ) would be about 15,000 dollars.

The second option is less expensive and, for the most part, could be ac-complished inhouse.

We would build a containment structure consisting of concrete flooring

and walls large enough to completely surround two tanks ( similar in ap-pearance to our existing diesel tank ).

The structure would prevent leakage from contaminating the underlying

soil, and would serve as a barrier between the tanks and our equipment.

A roof would be constructed to help prevent corrosion of the tanks.

The tanks themselves are built with interior and exterior walls to provide

additional protection against leaks.

The two skidmounted tanks and electric transfer pumps would cost ap-proximately 4,000 dollars.

We can build the containment structure and roof for about 1,500 dollars,

bringing the total to approximately 5,500 dollars for the entire project.

Again, I have checked with our local fire marshal and found this option will

meet local code requirements.


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RECOMMENDATION

Although we can build our own storage structure for less money, I suggest

we purchase the prefabricated units listed on the attached literature.

These units will meet all of our storage needs and will ensure that wehave addressed the environmental concerns in the best manner possible.

Also, since they are completely selfcontained, they can be moved if nec-

essary.

Pest control product Storage

CONCERNS

The storage of pest control products also has become a prominent issue in

golf course management.

Improper storage increases the possibility of soil and water contamina-

tion, theft and/or vandalism, or injury to maintenance workers.

CURRENT SITUATION

We currently store pest control products in our maintenance building.

This building also houses equipment, the mechanics work area, crew fa-cilities, and my office.


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Although the building is locked at night, it is unsecured during the day for

reasons of practicality.

Products are stored in a locked closet labelled pest control products, lo-

cated adjacent to my office.

The closet is neither vented nor does it provide containment should a pest

control product container leak or be knocked over.

Although we do have an eye and face washing station near our restroom,the station is not near the pest control product storage area.

Finally, since the products are stored within the confines of our mainte-

nance building, the fire department may be hesitant to tackle a fire shouldone occur in the building.

In addition to the extra risk of injury to fire fighting personnel, the water

used to extinguish a fire in a building that contains pest control products

can itself become a hazardous waste product.

For these reasons I feel it is important to take immediate steps to improve

our pest control product storage facilities.


11/23

OPTIONS

As is the case with fuel storage, there now are prefabricated pest control

product storage structures available that address each of the concerns ex-pressed above.

These units are fire rated, secured, ventilated, and lighted, and protectedagainst contamination of soil or water should leakage of a container occur.

They are standalone units that can be placed easily in our existing main-

tenance area.

The better units have a wide variety of options, including heating and air

conditioning, fire suppression systems, and eye/face washing stations.

I contacted a number of suppliers, and found that prices range from about

9,000 to 12,000 dollars for topquality structures.

The smaller figure represents a basic 8foot x 8foot unit.

The larger figure will purchase a unit that is 8foot x 12foot and fullyequipped with ventilation, lighting, shelving, insulation, and an eye/face

washing station.

The second option is to construct our own storage unit.

We can purchase a 10foot x 12foot metal storage building complete

with locking door and lighting for about 1,500 dollars.

We would finish the interior and install ventilation for another 500 dollars.


12/23

OPTIONS ( CONTINUED )

A stainless steel floor ( to provide containment in case of spills ) would

cost about 800 dollars containment shelves are another 500 dollars.

Eye and face washing equipment and an emergency spill containment kit

would add another 500 dollars and bring the total cost for our homemadestructure to approximately 4,000 dollars.

I have checked with the fire marshal, who has agreed to review the plans

for this structure should we choose this option.

Until we are able to significantly improve the way in which we storechemicals, we plan on keeping the amount of pest control products ( and

fertilizers ) on hand to an absolute minimum.

This should not be viewed as a longterm solution since we would not be

able to count on the availability of the required product when problemsarose on the course.

We also would be unable to take advantage of discounts that are offered

for seasonal and quantity purchases.

RECOMMENDATION

Without question, the ideal option is to purchase a prefabricated unit.They are much better constructed than the homebuilt structure and are

more likely to meet future code requirements should they be made more

stringent. However, if this option proves too expensive, I am confident

we can construct our own building in good manner.


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Equipment Washing Area

CONCERNS

Mowing is one of the primary tasks accomplished on any course.

During the washing of equipment, grass clippings and other residues are

discharged into the drainage area.

The clippings contain nutrients and may contain some pest control product

residue as well.

Fertilizer and pest control product equipment also is washed following use.

For these reasons, equipment washing areas are being closely scrutinized

for their possible environmental impact.

CURRENT SITUATION

We currently wash our mowing equipment on a concrete pad behind theshop.

There is a drain inlet in the center of the pad that collects rinsate water,as well as clippings and other debris.

The drain pipe extends from the pad and surfaces in a small drainage

swale that then drains into the lake on the eighth hole.


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Prior to the construction of the wash pad, we discharged all rinsate into

the local city sewer.

Although I feel retaining our rinsate on the property by virtue of discharg-ing it into the nearby lake is a better option than the previous practice,

the nutrients in the rinsate have increased the severity of algae blooms,

which affect the ecology of the pond and make it extremely unattractive.[ ?!?! this is highly unl ikely ]

Also, since the lake overflows into a neighbourhood creek, I am concerned

about the possibility of contaminating that creek.

OPTIONS

This issue has become such a concern throughout the country that rinsaterecycling equipment is now available for golf courses.

This equipment is similar in design and function to the filters used for

swimming pools, although special modifications are included for neutraliz-

ing chemical residues and removing solid debris such as clippings.

Since contamination of the soil and/or water with chemicals occurs most

often during mixing ( spills, overflows, etc ... ), the unit also includes a

mixing area.

Predictably, this equipment is very expensive ( as high as 40,000 dollars ).

[ There are enormous issues in the handl ing and disposing of r insate. ]


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The next option is to reconstruct our existing washing area.

One design includes a concrete washing area that slopes to a collection

pit.

The pit itself includes a trap area and screen at the deepest end that col-lects as much of the clippings as possible.

This pit is built to include a layer of gravel overlaid with sand to provide

additional filtering.

Finally, the collection area itself is constructed to allow our frontend

loader to scoop out the majority of the debris, which then is added to ourcompost pile.

I have obtained an estimate to build this type of wash pad.

The total cost will be approximately 7,000 dollars.

I have also instituted a number of steps to make an immediate reduction

in the amount of material we wash into the lake.

First, we have installed five quickcoupler valves in rough areas through-out the course.

These areas serve as prewash sites for our mowers that accumulate

the most clippings.

[ Composting of debris contaminated with pest control products ?!?! ]


16/23


A different site is used each day to avoid creating an overly wet area and

to keep odours to a minimum.

The vast majority of clippings are removed in the prewash area.

The equipment then is steamcleaned on our existing wash pad.

We also are considering using handheld blowing equipment to remove

excess clippings from our mowers prior to the final steam cleaning.

To reduce the possibility of chemical contamination during the washing of

pest control product application equipment, we no longer discharge any

rinsate from this washing operation into a drain system of any kind.

All spray solutions are applied to the course.

We calibrate the equipment closely to keep leftover solution to a mini-mum.

Any excess material is applied to the course.

The equipment is then repeatedly rinsed, and the rinsate is applied to the

course as well.

[ There may be issues with herbicide-contaminated material beingsprayed unknowingly on the golf course. ]

We also keep spill kits on hand to immediately clean up any contaminationthat may occur during mixing.


17/23

RECOMMENDATION

Although there is no question that the unit that combines storage, rinsatefiltration, and a contained mixing area is the most complete solution to

our equipment washing and chemical mixing needs, this may not be eco-

nomically feasible for our club at this time.

Therefore, unless the club can find money for the more expensive option

now, my suggestion is to proceed with the modification of our wash pad

area as described in the second option.

Water Use, Pest Control Productand Fertilizer Use, and Wildlife Habitat

CONCERNS

In many parts of the country, water use by golf courses is being closelyregulated.

Fertilizer and pest control product use on golf courses continues to be one

of the most volatile issues in golf course management today.

Although university research indicates there is little to fear as long asthese products are selected and applied properly, many people are con-

cerned about their use.


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CONCERNS ( CONTINUED )

Finally, properlymanaged golf courses are starting to be recognized as

excellent sites for a variety of wildlife.

There are many courses in the country that have made concerted effortsto further improve this environmentallypositive aspect of golf course

management.

There is a trend in golf maintenance to increase wildlife habitat by allow-

ing areas of the course that seldom come into play to return to a more

natural state.

This is accomplished by reducing or eliminating irrigation, fertilizer andpest control product applications, and mowing.

In addition to creating nesting habitat and sanctuary for wildlife, coursesare finding it possible to save money and labour that can better be used

elsewhere on the property.

CURRENT SITUATION

In my estimation, there are eight to ten acres on our course that seldom

come into play.

At least six of these acres are irrigated once or twice per week.

We fertilize these areas twice per season.


19/23


A preemergence herbicide is applied to the entire acreage each fall ( for

winter weeds ), and two postemergence applications are made duringthe spring and summer.

We are presently mowing the irrigated acreage twice per week and the

nonirrigated area once per week.

Also, the turf areas surrounding all of our lakes are being mowed at fair-

way height.

OPTIONS

Common sense dictates that any reduction in input ( in terms of waterand chemical usage ) will prove a positive step from an environmentalstandpoint.

Since we apply about 12inches of water per year to this acreage, elimi-

nating irrigation over eight acres would result in a savings of two to three

million gallons of water per year.

Eliminating the pest control product and fertilizer applications would save

approximately 4,000 dollars.

By reducing the mowing of the roughs around the lakes, we could channel

hundreds of labour hours per year into other course maintenance activi-

ties.


20/23


Allowing the turf around the lakes to grow to a height of fourinches or

more would provide a buffer strip of higher cut turf to further reduce the

possibility of fertilizer or chemical runoff into the lakes.

Perhaps the most important gain would be the encouragement of wildlifeon our course.

Im sure many of our players have already noticed the BlueBirds in the

boxes we mounted, and Purple Martins that constantly patrol our lakes for

mosquitoes and other insects.

By promoting another eight to ten acres of nesting habitat, we can expect

to enhance both the variety and numbers of birds and other wildlife on ourcourse.

RECOMMENDATION

My recommendation is to begin establishing our naturalized areas as soon

as possible.

We can allow these areas to return to a native or natural state by essen-

tially reducing all maintenance.

Since we have promoted turfgrass in these areas for years, it will take aseason or two for native grasses to once again flourish.

We can speed this process up by sowing native grasses, wildflower

seeds, and other native plants.


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RECOMMENDATION ( CONTINUED )

However, it should be pointed out that the areas definitely will look un-

kempt for a while.

There are likely to be some players who will feel the appearance of the

course has suffered by reducing the maintenance of these areas.

A good educational effort will be required to illustrate the advantages of

these and other changes in our maintenance programs.

Our first step should be to enroll in the Cooperative Sanctuary Programdeveloped through a joint effort of the USGA and Audubon International.

Summary

We should consider hiring a professional environmental consultant to per-

form a more thorough review of our maintenance facility.

The company would provide us with a comprehensive report, includingsuggestions for improvement and options to obtain detailed drawings for

the construction of storage facilities, wash pads, etc ...

We can obtain such a review for approximately 1,500 dollars.

There are many other environmental aspects of the care of our coursethat have not been covered in this brief report.


22/23

Force Of Nature presents THE WHOLE TRUTH FROM AN INDEPENDENT PERSPECTIVE from National Organization Responding Against HUJE thatseek to harm the Green Space Industry (NORAHG). It is a series of Reports destined for the Green Space Industry, the Environmental Terror

Movement, Governments, and the Media, nationwide across Canada, the United States, and overseas. The information presented in Force Of Na-ture has been developed for the education and entertainment of the reader by providing a sequence of historical events WITH COMMENTARY. The

neutrality of these Reports might be disputed. Dont thank us. Its a public service. And we are glad to do it.

HUJE are identified on the basis of their statements, activities, affiliations, and whereabouts. Even though each Enviro Lunatic Culprit is a misguided

adversary, each still deserves our respect. The use of the terms Lunatic, Maniac, Culprit, Terrorist, or Basterd are not accusations of any legal wrongdoing. Force Of Nature is simply holding Enviro Lunatic Activists accountable for conspiring to change public policies that TERRORIZE, HARM, and

THREATEN the Green Space Industry.

HUJE is a term used to describe Enviro Lunatic Activists that routinely concoct FEAR MONGERING, FRAUDULENT LIES, MISCONCEPTIONS, COER-CION, THREATS, DECEPTIONS, TERROR, and PARANOID CONSPIRACIES that are DESIGNED to SCAM and DECEIVE the public into believing there

is some IMAGINARY DANGER with conventional pest control products. HUJE also SCAM and DECEIVE Government Officials into the NEEDLESS,SENSELESS, and MALICIOUS CONSPIRACY to PROHIBIT conventional pest control products that are FEDERALLY LEGAL, SCIENTIFICALLY SAFE,

TOTALLY IRREPLACEABLE, and ABSOLUTELY INDISPENSABLE.

HUJE have created LOSS OF REVENUES, BUSINESS FAILURES, BANKRUPTCY, and UNEMPLOYMENT, inflicting DESPAIR and DESTITUTION for

THOUSANDS of hapless victims throughout the Green Space Industry. The DEPRAVED INDIFFERENCE of Lunatic Culprit Terrorist Basterd HUJE isviewed as a form of TERROR, HARM, and THREAT against the Green Space Industry.

This Report provides NO guarantee regarding accuracy or completeness. In no event shall Force Of Nature be liable for any incidental or conse-quential damages, lost profits, or any indirect damages. Force Of Nature is TOTALLY INDEPENDENT of any trade association or business operatingwithin the Green Space Industry. The events, characters, companies, and organizations, depicted in this Report are not always fictitious. Any simi-

larity to actual persons, living or dead, may not be coincidental. All information, excerpts, and pictures contained in this Report were found some-where on the Internet, and may be considered in the public domain, serving one of the following purposes archive, education, promotion, pub-licity, or press release.

Force Of Nature, and its various incarnations, is the brainchild of William H. Gathercole and his colleagues. Mr. Gathercole is a principal FOUNDER of

the Modern Professional Lawn Care Industry in BOTH Ontario and Quebec. He holds a degree in Horticulture from the UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH,and another pure and applied science degree from McGILL UNIVERSITY. He has worked in virtually all aspects of the Green Space Industry, includ-

ing GOLF, PROFESSIONAL LAWN CARE, and CHEMICAL INDUSTRY, and has served in environmental compliance, government negotiations, publicaffairs, and workplace safety. Mr. Gathercole has supervised, consulted, programmed, and/or overseen the successful and safe execution of HUN-

DREDS OF THOUSANDS of pest control applications in the urban landscape. He has trained, instructed, and consulted with THOUSANDS of turfmanagers and technicians. Mr. Gathercole has also been an agricultural agronomist. For many years, Mr. Gathercole was a contributing columnistfor TURF & Recreation Magazine, Canadas Turf and Grounds Maintenance Authority.

Mr. Gathercole and his colleagues have followed the evolution of LUNATIC ENVIRONMENTAL TERRORISM for over a quarter century. For FIFTEEN

YEARS, the strategies designed and implemented by Mr. Gathercole and his colleagues guaranteed the control of the VERMIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL

TERROR for the entire Modern Green Space Industry across Canada. Their involvement in Environmental Issues reached a fevered pitch in the1990s, when he orchestrated, with his colleagues, legal action against the Forces of Environmental Evil in the Town of Hudson, Quebec.

Today, Mr. Gathercole is the ONLY TRUE RELIABLE WITNESS of the Hudson Affair. Mr. Gathercole is personally credited for crafting the Golf Indus-try Exception Status that endures to this day. He is also the creator of the signs that are now used for posting after application. His vast knowledgeof our long journey with Environmental Issues is UNDENIABLE hopefully ! Mr. Gathercole is now retired, although his name continues to appear

as FOUNDER of Force Of Nature.

THE LIBRARY OF REPORTS A LOOK AT Technical Information for the Green Space Industry Agriculture Bee Colony Collapse Disorder BOGUS Green Alternatives BRITISH COLUMBIA Prohibition Terror Conspiracy CALGARY (Alberta) Enviro Terror STOPPED Canadian

Association of Physicians for the Environment Canadian Cancer Society Canadian Environmental Law Association CARNAGE caused byPROHIBITION TERRORISM CONSEQUENCES of PROHIBITION TERRORISM Cottam & Ghost Writers Culprits Who Conspired to Prohibit

David Suzuki Foundation Dating Services for Enviro Maniacs DDT and Politicized Science Environmental Terrorists UNMASKED Enviro PROFIT Accumulated by Greedy & Avaricious Enviro Maniacs Environmental Terror Organizations Environmental Terror That NEVEREnds Famous Quotations FERTILIZER Enviro Terror Global Warming GOLF INDUSTRY Looming Shipwreck & Collision Course

Green Space Industry Health Canada HEROES Speaking Out Against Enviro Terror History of the Environmental Terror Movement June Irwin, the Clown of JUNK SCIENCE Landscape Trades CAPITULATE In VIOLATION of Federal Law Lying Sacks of (Enviro Maniac)

CWAP Myth Busting NATIONAL Prohibition Terror Conspiracy Needless Hysteria NEW BRUNSWICK Prohibition Terror Conspiracy

NOVA SCOTIA Prohibition Terror Conspiracy ONTARIO Haven for Environmental Terror Organic Fertilizers Paranoid Theories PaulTukey, The Bin Laden of Environmental Terror Pests and Disorders of Ornamental Plants Pests and Disorders of Turfgrasses PesticideFree BC Pesticide Q & A (Questions & Answers) Positive Waves (The Green Space Industry Responds with Outstanding and Innovative

Ideas) PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND Prohibition Terror Conspiracy QUEBEC Prohibition Terror Conspiracy RACHEL CARSON, the Queen ofJUNK SCIENCE SASKATCHEWAN Prohibition Terror Infestation Satire, Laughs & Insanity TERROR Talk & Weasel Words The 9/11

Era of Environmental Terror THE AVENGERS The FAILURE of Integrated Pest Management The FAILURE of Pesticide Free Parks The Industry STRIKES BACK Against Environmental Terror The MISCONCEPTIONS About Cancer The National Annihilation of the ModernGreen Space Industry The Wisdom of Bill Bell The Wisdom of Drysdale The Wisdom of Health Canada The Wisdom of Hepworth

The Wisdom of Holland The Wisdom of Lowes The Wisdom of Mains The Wisdom of Milloy The Wisdom of the Solomons TheWisdom of Whelan TWISTED Precautionary Principle Update Using Children, Pets, & Death as WEAPONS OF ULTIMATE TERROR

U.S. Prohibition Terror Conspiracy 2,4D Warning


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