The Environmental Institute of Golf, along with the United States Golf Association (USGA), is funding a research project that will measure the impact of golf courses on surface and ground water.
“A Critical Review of Water Quality Impacts by Golf Courses: Update and Trends," is a continuation of a previous national assessment published in the November 1997 issue of Golf Course Management and the Journal of Environmental Quality. The objective is to collect as much data as possible from golf facilities that are conducting surface and/or ground water monitoring projects. The intent of the study, conducted by Environmental & Turf Services, Inc., Wheaton, Md., with Dr. Stuart Cohen as principal investigator, is to publish a critical review of the quality of surface and ground water as affected by golf courses.
Such data are necessary to accurately assess the ecological implications of land use planning regarding the construction and maintenance of golf courses. This information can also have implications for pesticide registration decisions. Furthermore, the results of this study will also give crucial feedback to golf course superintendents and other facility leaders. Target analytes include pesticides, pesticide metabolites, nitrate and phosphorus.
If a golf course is conducting surface and/or ground water monitoring projects, or have in the past, and is willing to share the data please contact Juleen Lam at Environmental & Turf Services Inc., 11141 Georgia Avenue, Suite 208, Wheaton, MD 20902, 301-933-4700 or JuleenLam@aol.com.
The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), is a collaborative effort of the environmental and golf communities, dedicated to strengthening the compatibility of golf with the natural environment. The Institute concentrates on delivering programs and services involving research, education and outreach that communicate the best management practices of environmental stewardship on the golf course. For more on The Institute, visit www.eifg.org.