Storage and Handling

A site analysis can identify and assess risk for ground or surface water contamination. The first step is to determine the environmentally sensitive areas, potential release points, and containment strategies currently employed. This analysis should address aspects of storage and handling of chemicals.

NYDEC publishes guidelines relevant for both pesticide and fertilizer storage, as the potential water quality impacts from spills of either are the same, particularly for large containers (greater than 55 gallons) of liquid fertilizers. These are discussed in the Regulatory Framework section of this web site (link “regulatory Framework” to the Regulatory Framework page/Maintenance Facilities section)–Stacey I don’t have a page for this yet. Fertigation often has large tanks for the liquid fertilizer and the storage/containment structure can be large (often part of the irrigation pump house).

Storage

The goal of an ideal storage facility is the safe siting and storage of potential contaminants that ensures a high level of water quality protection (Figure 1).  Read more

Figure 1. Chemical storage building organization. Source: Robert Alonzi.

 
NYSDOH does not allow chemical storage or mixing and loading facilities within 100 feet of a potable well. Other requirements include local zoning for the siting of maintenance facility and operations, which vary by town and county. Requirements often include a minimum distance (set-back) from wetlands, surface wells and property lines. The Freshwater Wetlands Act (http://www.NYDEC.ny.gov/lands/4937.html) requires a 100 ft buffer around wetlands. Some townships have even broader requirements.
Updating chemical storage areas does not necessarily require a new building. Many changes can be easily attained:

• impervious flooring
• flooring sloped to a drain
• curbing to contain at least 25% of the volume of liquid chemicals and fertilizers stored
• ventilation to exhaust any fumes in the event of a spill
• PPE for workers and emergency wash stations

Modular or independent containment units can be installed in many sizes. The units are typically self-contained, fireproof and secure and can be temperature controlled with ventilation. Options include fire suppression, eye washes, and safety showers.

Figure 2. Modular containment units can be installed in many sizes. Source: Robert Alonzi.

 
Floor drains should include a sump and a chemical pump to move the chemicals discharged to a waste tank as in Figure 3. The material can be reclaimed, diluted to label concentrations, and applied to turf areas or collected for disposal using certified hazmat haulers.

Figure 3. Containment area with sump and transfer to holding tank.

Mixing and Loading

As with the storage areas, the handling area (mixing and loading) of pesticides and fertilizers should be contained to minimize release of concentrated or diluted pesticides and fertilizers. These compounds should be mixed and loaded on a covered impervious surface properly sized and sloped to capture the maximum potential spill.  Read more

Backflow preventers should be installed on fresh water supplies used for filling. The station could also be upgraded to pre-mix pesticide/fertilizer loads in a controlled environment then transferred to the sprayer. See Figures 4 through 6 for proper mixing and loading practices.

Figure 4. Loading fill spray tank from premix. Source: Robert Alonzi.

 

Figure 5. Recovery lines and trans pump in the equipment mixing and loading area. Source :Robert Alonzi.

 

Figure 6. Mixing and loading recovery tanks. Source: Robert Alonzi.

 

Wastewater Handling

The release of organic waste associated with equipment cleaning needs the same level of protection afforded liquid and granular nutrients and pesticides. When debris is removed from equipment, it should not be released into open surface waters or in a location near well heads or shallow groundwater. Figure 7 shows a well designed wash area.

Figure 7. Equipment wash area. Source: Old Oaks County Club.

 
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Often, effective equipment cleaning areas can be maintained as mixing and loading areas with impervious flooring and drains that allow for some separation of organic solids and liquids (Figure 7). When using a simple wash-pad and collection area, be sure to direct any uncontained liquid to be dispersed along the land, preferably along a designed bio-filtration system. Closed system cleaning stations are available that separate clippings/solids and treat the wash water. The recycled water is reused as wash water. The EPA suggests the stages of treatment, as shown in Figure 8. Another approach to wastewater treatment uses microbes to break down chemical compounds (Figure 9). Both types of systems may require additional purification steps to remove odors and harmful bacteria. These systems must be carefully sized to process the peak water volume anticipated for contaminant levels expected. The equipment varies in costs but increases with structural requirements and permits.

Figure 8. Stages of treating wastewater, as shown for an activated carbon adsorption system (EPA, P2 Guide).

 

Figure 9. Microbial system for treating wastewater. Source: Robert Alonzi.

 

Integrated Chemical Management

New construction designs should consider integrating storage, mixing, and washing operations in an integrated chemical management system. Buildings and infrastructure are designed to account for the traffic and usage. The resulting design should provide a much better envelope of the operations compared to separately constructed areas. Integrated designs often include fuel storage and filling stations within the same containment areas.

Organic Matter Management

Figure 10. Clippings removal unit. Source: John J. Genovesi, CGCS, Maidstone Club.

Nutrient BMPs recommend that clipping be widely redistributed to turf. Research has shown that nitrate levels in leachate increased to as much as 30 mg/L in areas that received four times the normal clippings return. Some clubs elect to collect clippings from fairways and then dump these clippings as yard waste. The accumulation of clippings and other yard wastes such a leaves, tree limbs, and other plant debris can be a substantial source of contamination to surface water and groundwater if placed close to water courses.  Read more

Clippings should be screened and collected when cleaning equipment in the maintenance area (Figure 10). They should not be allowed into the stream of wastewater. The inherent concentration of organic nitrogen and phosphorus, along with any pesticide residues, can contaminate the wastewater or reduce the effectiveness of wastewater treatment equipment. Ideally, clippings should be blown off using compressed air and then collected (Figure 11). If water is being used, sumps should screen and convey clippings and other solids prior to wastewater disposal or treatment (Figures 12 – 14).

Figure 11. Prior to washing equipment, removing clippings while over grass (top) or a pad (bottom) with an air hose or prewash reduces the amount of organic debris in the wash water. Source: Robert Alonzi.

 

Figure 12. Typical equipment wash area with drain. Source: Robert Alonzi.

 

Figure 13. A Retrofitted RGF system separates solids in the wash water. Source: Robert Alonzi.

 

Figure 14. A retrofitted RGF system solid separation pad. Source: Robert Alonzi.

 
Many clubs have contracted with local composting companies to haul their organic waste. Material is generally accumulated in dumpsters and then frequently removed.