Sustainability And Pollution Prevention

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Sustainability And Pollution Prevention: Much has been said over recent years about the merits of water recycling wash systems to prevent pollution and conserve water. Here Bill Whittingham reports on recent developments.

Having visited many golf and sports facilities I’ve learned and seen how machinery wash-off is handled. I’ve also heard the thoughts of those responsible for wash-off. It is quite clear that virtually all know of the legislation relating to pollution prevention and the fines that can be imposed; much of which is regularly regurgitated in the trade press. All those I met are also aware of the growing need for water conservation and many have taken action to address both matters. What is apparent, and somewhat surprising however, is that despite this knowledge and concern, there are many establishments still with wash-off facilities that are, quite frankly illegal, causing pollution and wasting vast quantities of water.

Sustainability And Pollution Prevention

The Groundwater (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 and The Water Environment (Groundwater and Priority Substances) (Scotland) Regulations 2009 were enshrined in law in 2009 (10 years ago!) and, more recently the EU Water Framework Directive has been implemented. (Incidentally, whether or not Brexit is achieved matters not, as the requirements have been made law in the UK). So why the complacency and inaction? The ideal way to achieve legislative compliance and save water is to install an approved water recycling system. (i.e. WTL certified). Despite the best endeavours of the leading manufacturers, such a system is not considered cheap and, apart from the water savings, does not contribute to “the bottom line”! So, some take the attitude that they’ll take their chances and hope they are not inspected. To my mind this is not sensible thinking. Articles have appeared in the golf / turf maintenance press reporting just that; a golf club being visited by the EA and told they suspected pollution from the club’s washpad. The club in question responded rapidly, recognising its environmental responsibilities, and installed a below ground washpad water recycling system, satisfying all requirements.

If cost is an issue, there are options offered by the main suppliers of recycling wash systems to help; Spreading payments, retro-fitting or, in the case of ClearWater, carrying out a self-install with each and every UK made system delivered new, direct to site from the factory. One company, not offering self-install, does offer above ground refurbished units however.

So, which way do you go; above ground or below ground? The choice is yours but there are distinct differences between, what most consider to be, the two leading contenders. Both do the same job: treat contaminated water by biological treatment producing clean recycled water. One system offers simple, effective engineering with few moving parts (less to go wrong!) and gravity feed to the system. The other system relies on more elaborate engineering and the pumping of washwater into the system.

Press coverage of late appears to have focused on an above ground system, so it seems only reasonable, to redress the balance and look at the merits of a below ground one. One point that is raised frequently and that some, including myself, have difficulty understanding is the statement regarding a certain above ground system: “…..you can see what’s going on” The inference supposedly being that below ground is not to be preferred. Now, unless I’ve been missing something for many years, I understood that, in the main, waste water treatment is carried out below ground and is in surely the safest location? How many separators, septic tanks and sewage plants do you see above ground? However, if you really want to see “what’s going on” you can in a ClearWater system; simply open the turret covers and take a look. You can actually witness exactly what’s going on; effective treatment!

So what advantages does this particular system have? Being below ground means that it is unobtrusive; away from prying eyes and vandalism. It is also safe being encased in concrete (no worries about leaks!) and operating at a temperature of 14.5 – 16.5 °C. This is important as a stable operating environment means that the unique micro-organisms perform better and also allays fears of Legionella and other harmful bacteria forming. (The threshold for Legionella to form and survive is stated as 20°C. Above ground systems can endure much higher internal temperatures than this in the sun!). Below ground means water flows into the system by gravity via a simple grass trap, so no complicated sumps, pumps and chutes. Valuable washpad space is not required either to site a ClearWater system and a key decision maker seems to be that it’s not unsightly but looks good; with just four modest green turret tops sited at ground level, that’s all anyone sees; impressive!

Self-install certainly does seem to be popular (over 70% of ClearWater’s customers take this cost-effective route). Full and detailed installation instructions are issued and I’ve seen some splendid installations that installers are justifiably proud of. Take a recent installation of a ClearWater system at Brookmans Park Golf Club for example. Asset & Equipment Manager Nick Billington, not happy with the above ground system and repeated maintenance issues, removed that system and used the concrete plinth to good effect; he installed his diesel tank on it and created a pollution prevention area! Installing the ClearWater system was easy and straightforward he says and further cost savings were made by modifications to the existing washpad. Nick is pleased with the team’s work and the ClearWater system.

Buying a washpad water recycling system is a worthwhile investment and will ensure that the costly kit you have invested in will be washed so much more effectively. (A ClearWater system would cost less than 20% of the price of a typical fairway mower by the way!) However, to ensure you spend wisely, do research the systems thoroughly, see them in action and talk to users. To help you to make comparisons and reach an informed decision, here are a few questions to ask prospective suppliers:

  1. Is what is being offered a WTL approved full biological system as not all washpad solutions actually recycle and/or have biological treatment? (Incidentally, a WTL approved system means tax savings on the ECA scheme!)
  2. What is the cost of the system and installation? (Is the system brand new or refurbished?)
  3. What is the water capacity? (The larger the capacity, the greater the time for treatment)
  4. How much is a year’s supply of micro-organisms and are they general purpose or designed to treat turf machinery wash water and capable of handling small grass clippings? (ClearWater’s micro-organisms are bespoke; designed specifically for the job)
  5. What time do I need to spend on daily / weekly maintenance and what are maintenance costs?
  6. Does the system have an oil warning alarm and an auto shut-off valve to prevent an oil spill contaminating already treated water?
  7. Are there separate pumps for each hose and is a proper trigger wash gun provided with each?
  8. What pressure do the water hose pumps produce?
  9. What moving parts are fitted that may need replacing? Is this something I can do or is an engineer’s visit necessary? (Swapping the small compressor and water pumps of a ClearWater system can be carried out by users in minutes, saving costly call out fees and down time!)
  10. Would the system be exposed to the elements and, if so, not be affected by high temperatures and UV rays?

So, below ground or above? The choice is yours; make it an informed one!

We all need to take our environmental responsibilities seriously and ensure sustainability. Preserving valuable water by recycling on the washpad and preventing groundwater pollution is one definite way we can contribute.

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Greenkeeper Injured In Holiday Accident

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Greenkeeper Injured In Holiday Accident: A British holidaymaker could be paralysed for life after breaking his neck in an accident at a Spanish water park, his family fear.

David Briffaut, 23, lost consciousness and suffered serious injuries after hitting the water in a pool at the bottom of a slide at the Aqualandia tourist attraction in Benidorm.

He is on a life support machine in a Spanish hospital. His family fear he will be left paraplegic after scans showed he has two broken vertebrae in his neck.

Briffaut’s parents, Lorraine, a teacher, and Stephane, a construction worker, have flown out to bring him home once his condition is sufficiently stable.

His uncle, Mark Pooley, said: “This is every family’s worse nightmare. David is a wonderful young man who was enjoying an innocent day out with his girlfriend.

“We are praying for a miracle, but we have been told that the injuries he has sustained are very traumatic … We are hoping that David’s travel insurance will pay for him to be flown home, but after that he faces a very uncertain future.

“He has undergone surgery and is partly conscious, but in a great deal of pain. We have been told he may need more surgery later this week.”

Briffaut, who works as a green keeper at a golf club in Essex, was on holiday with his girlfriend of six years, Penny Bristow, at the time of the accident on the “Splash” slide. They had been staying with friends and were on holiday to celebrate Bristow completing a degree course in travel and tourism.

The slide is one of 15 rides at the water park and is graded “moderate”.

Pooley said: “We cannot understand how this happened at a family tourist destination. David was behaving in the normal way, and he had not been drinking. We believe there should be a full investigation into the circumstances of what happened.”

A crowdfunding page has been set up to raise £75,000 to help pay for his care when he returns home. By Wednesday morning it had raised more than £30,000.

It says: “What began as a fun day out ended in tragedy when David suffered his horrific injuries coming down a waterslide … We want to do everything within our capabilities to raise as much money as possible to enable David to get the best possible care and better his life in whatever way we can.”

Bristow shared the link on Facebook, writing: “Breaks my heart having to share this but we would truly appreciate everyone’s support in sharing and donating anything they can for David to get the care and support he needs. I love you so much, we will get through this.”

Click here to read the original article

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Toro Praised At Highwoods GC

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Toro Praised At Highwoods GC: After the successful installation of Highwoods Golf Club’s irrigation system with a Toro Lynx central control system and sprinklers, the Sussex club now has the Toro ‘Total Solution’.

In 2014, Highwoods Golf Club took its first step to take the course to the next level by investing in Toro in what was called at the time “a major investment to improve the course”. Since then, the course has flourished, so when the time came in 2018 for a new irrigation system, there was really only one choice in the mind for the club – that of Toro and Reesink Turfcare.

Deputy course manager Jamie Melham says: “Toro had already proved the quality of its products and services to Highwoods, having been the brand of choice for the club’s fleet for six years. However, as was the case before, we took advice from other clubs, specialists and of course the greenkeeping team.”

And after looking at other brands to see what was available, Toro triumphed on value for money says Jamie: “Nothing offered the same value for money as the Toro Lynx control system and sprinklers. Plus, Lynx was easy to use and has extra features that gave it a real edge over competing brands.

“I was really impressed by the sprinklers, too. We selected Toro Infinity series for greens and approaches, T5/T7 series sprinklers installed on tees. The rain curtain is really impressive and delivers accurate coverage. The T5 series sprinklers in particular have a low throw which means they aren’t as affected by wind which is really useful, and the Infinity series sprinklers have Smart Access, so we can carry out maintenance if required in the future, without having to dig or turn off the water.”

The 18-hole parkland club has been trusting in Toro for the last six years because “other brands don’t come close to the quality of Toro” says Jamie, and it seems the quality of service from Reesink has also impressed

“The whole process from the first demonstration with Pete Newton from Reesink Turfcare, to the installation by Lakes and Greens was seamless,” he says. “Everyone was really helpful, informative and kept us regularly updated, which is so important in a process like this.”

And to round it off, testing out the system since installation has lived up to expectations. “The irrigation installation was completed in March and we’ve already seen a huge difference in the tees, greens and approaches,” says Jamie. “Before we only had the greens irrigated, but the sprinklers weren’t providing an even coverage. We’d end up with a big wet patch in the middle of the green with the perimeters suffering. But now the combination of Toro Lynx central control and Toro sprinklers mean we’re getting a uniform coverage that we’ve never seen before.

“This is the catalyst we needed for the next step in the club’s development. I’m confident that the quality and presentation of the course will continue to improve with Toro irrigation on board, just as we saw with Toro machinery.”

For more information, visit: reesinkturfcare.co.uk

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ISEKI Keeps Praa Sands Pristine

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ISEKI Keeps Praa Sands Pristine: ISEKI UK & Ireland, distributors of ISEKI compact tractors and mowers alongside their local dealer Nigel Rafferty Groundcare based in Redruth, Cornwall recently sold an ISEKI TLE3400 to Haulfryn Group to help improve maintenance standards on the 5 Star Praa Sands Holiday Park based in West Cornwall.

Adrian Pidcock the Maintenance Manager for the idyllic park explained; “I started working at the park 14 years ago, there has been a lot of hard graft and development in recent years but the site is now a 5 star holiday destination with over 100 luxury holiday homes, a pool, spa, gym, clubhouse with bar and entertainment plus various outdoor play areas.”

ISEKI Keeps Praa Sands Pristine

Having previously owned an ISEKI TM3265 the holiday park decided, at the end of their five-year lease, to upgrade their tractor to a TLE3400 to continue improvements to the park.  Commenting on the TLE3400 Adrian said; “following the reliability and quality of the previous ISEKI tractor I didn’t feel it necessary to look at any other manufacturer when the lease came up for renewal.  I spoke with our longstanding local dealer Nigel Rafferty Groundcare, he came to us with some suggestions of suitable machines for our budget and requirements.

“With all these improvements comes the increase in maintenance demands so we needed a higher horsepower tractor plus the ability to run extra implements.    The 38hp engine of the TLE3400 and the lift capacity of up to 1000kg enables us to carry out further jobs in house instead of paying higher fees for contract workers.  Equipped with a front loader and backhoe the TLE3400 has the horsepower and lift capacity we need at an affordable price.

The spacious platform and clearly laid out controls allow all of our staff to utilise the machine safely and productively ensuring all attachments can be operated easily and precisely.”

The team of eight at Praa Sands not only have the park to keep pristine but in 2009 the Haulfryn Group purchased the golf course adjacent to the holiday site.  Adrian explained further; “used for numerous jobs from spraying, topdressing and mowing, to towing a trailer to assist in cleaning the site each day the TLE3400 is used vigorously all week in order to help with the upkeep of this exceptional holiday park and we will shortly be looking for a flail arm hedge cutter attachment to add to our fleet of machinery.

“With many demands put on the tractor the build quality of the machine needs to be at the very highest, ISEKI’s products have gone way beyond any expectations. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.”

For more information, visit: www.iseki.co.uk.

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Avro Promoted On Greenfields Pitch

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Avro Promoted On Greenfields Pitch: After two seasons of playing on their GreenFields 3G pitch, Avro FC have celebrated a second successive promotion which will see them move up from their short-lived stay in the North West Counties First Division to play the 2019-20 season in the North West Counties Premier Division.

Having won the Manchester Premier Division in 2018, then to gain promotion last season (finishing second but gaining promotion with points-per-game), Avro FC are certainly on a roll and definitely a team to look out for. Rob Fuller, Avro FC Chairman attributes their success in part to the installation of the 3G pitch back in Autumn 2017, he commented: “We are about to begin our third season with our GreenFields 3G pitch and we could not be more pleased with it. We are certain that the pitch has played a huge part in our back to back promotions. Last season was our first in semi-professional football, and we received only positive comments from visiting teams regarding the pitch. Several teams pointed out that the GreenFields surface was far superior to any that they had played on previously and they were impressed with the quality of the grass, and the natural bounce and run of the ball during game play. We are proud of our GreenFields pitch and look forward to continuing our successful partnership in 2019/20 as we look forward to playing in the NWCFL Premier Division for the first time.”

Avro Promoted On Greenfields Pitch

Last season saw the club compete in the coveted Buildbase FA Vase for the first time and their most recent promotion which will see them play at step 5 will also open the door to a place in the Emirates FA Cup, a dream for all clubs and footballers alike.

As part of their commitment to supporting non-league football clubs, GreenFields have renewed their sponsorship agreement with Avro FC for the 2019-20 season. Paul Milton, Commercial Director at GreenFields commented: “We are thrilled to see that Avro FC have been promoted for the second year in a row. It’s a brilliant achievement for them and we couldn’t be happier that the GreenFields pitch has played a part in their success. We look forward to seeing them continue to flourish and are proud to be partnering and supporting them for another season.”

More information on GreenFields can be found at www.greenfieldsturf.co.uk

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