Recent survey information collected and published by the Environmental Institute for Golf’s Environmental Profile Project indicates the level of safeguards currently enacted in the golf course management industry (Lyman et al. 2012). The survey indicated that 98% of average 18-hole golf facilities stored pesticides on the property, with no significant difference in the percentage of golf facilities storing pesticides based on the number of holes, facility type (private or public), or maintenance budget. The most common characteristics of pesticide storage areas include:
- locked or restricted access (94%)
- signs indicating pesticide storage (85%)
- emergency shower or eyewash station nearby (74%)
- impervious floor (68%)
- spill kits (67%)
- floors capable of containing liquid spills (63%)
- passive venting (58%)
- separate/dedicated building (54%)
- impervious shelving (51%)
- powered venting (50%)
- explosion-proof fixtures (30%)
The pesticide label is the law and all pesticides should be stored according to instructions on their labels. In addition to the label, Part 326.11 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR)( http://www.dec.ny.gov/regs/4423.html) states “No person shall store any restricted pesticide or empty containers thereof in such a manner as may be injurious to human, plant or animal life or to property or which unreasonably interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of life and property throughout such areas of the State as shall be affected thereby.” Pesticide storage areas should be designed and managed in a manner that prevents or minimizes the risk of injury, harm to the environment or any impact on the use or value of property. Guidelines appropriate for pesticide storage are provided in the Facilities section of this web site.
