EBSC SPECIAL PROJECTS 

NATIONAL WATER QUALITY STUDY: GOLF COURSES

EBSC is initiating this research project. The purpose of the project is to gather data on the impact chemicals applied on golf courses have on the environment.

The industry has always said (and we know this true), that golf courses can actually improve the quality of water and the environment.

Unfortunately, there is no tangible, up-to-date research to back up this statement and help the industry address the issue of municipalities banning/restricting/limiting the use of various chemicals.

In particular, there is no up-to-date Canadian research.

Everyone seems to agree, this is needed. This also came up in our last seminar in Niagara Falls at the CGSA's Fall Field Days and in our presentation in Calgary in March.

While all the details still have to be worked out (this will take place over the next 4 months so we can start next spring), courses that are interested in participating will be asked to commit to $500/year for 3 years.

This will be a national study so we will be looking for representation and participation in each province.

In year 1, someone will come in and train you and your staff on the sampling procedures and testing protocols (where to sample, how to sample, etc.).

In addition to helping the industry addressing the pesticide/chemical issues, there will also be an educational component (results will be presented at industry functions) and the project will ideally help establish standards for the industry in the future

We are looking for a commitment now from courses as that will be added to our submission to Environment Canada and other participating organizations (i.e. universities, DFO, etc.).

Please let us know what think and if you are interested, contact brian@ebscgolf.com

INDUSTRY: NATIONAL WATER QUALITY STUDY ON CANADIAN GOLF COURSES

The Impact of Chemicals on the Environment

Objective:

To collect up-to-date, relevant data on the impact the application of chemicals (pesticides and fertilizers) on golf courses has on the environment, with particular focus on water quality.

Why?

The industry has long said and truly believes that golf courses are not "bad" for the environment and contrary to popular belief by some, are actually good for the environment.

We have heard over and over again the need for information (data) to back up this claim and help the industry address the issue of municipalities and other groups limiting/restricting or banning the use of chemicals.

While the main focus of these activities is currently on lawn & garden maintenance firms and other businesses, the golf industry is, quite correctly, very concerned about this entire subject.

The data collected in this research project will be used by the industry to help them address this issue.

Secondary benefits will be 1. Educational - a series of seminars and presentations focusing in this project will be presented across the country to industry associations and organizations and 2. assistance with setting Industry Standards.

The Project

A 3-year project involving 10% (200) courses across the country (with representation in each province).

Each year will involve: sampling, testing/analysis and reporting as well as regular updates to participating partners. Year One will also involve on-site training.

Participating Partners can and will be any organization, business or association interested in and bringing value (cash or in kind contribution) to the project.

Examples of Partners: Environment Canada, Health Canada, PMRA, provincial environment agencies, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, universities and colleges, chemical manufacturers, industry suppliers, CGSA, NGCOA, RCGA, etc.

Who?

EBSC will coordinate and manage the project, working in conjunction with the Partners.

Costs:

Currently estimated at $900,000 over 3 years or $300,000/year.

Funding

Anticipated funding sources:
Golf Courses	$100,000/year
Industry (private sector)	$100,000/year
Public Sector	$100,000/year

Interim Requirements

There is obviously a tremendous amount of work that is needed to pull together all the components of this project.

Finding Partners, identifying labs, setting research protocol and parameters, preparing introductory and collateral material, communication with industry, securing funding, coordinating logistics, the list goes on.

EBSC will undertake the coordination and preparation work required making this happen.

With the objective of launching the project at the start of the 2004 season (next spring), we will be required to work on this full time. This requires $60,000 in up front funding (in the form of smaller amounts from a number of private and public sector Partners).

Working on this full time for the next 4-5 months, EBSC will deliver:

� Project Coordination
� Identification of and communication with Partners (prospective & existing)
� Source required funding
� Work with Partners to set the research protocols and standards
� Facilitate all activities required to take the project from this stage to implementation
� Other services and activities (to be determined)

We would like your support and participation but do require a quick answer. We are seeking between $5,000 and $25,000 from Founding Partners (depending upon their level of interest). Founding Partners will have considerable say (input) into how the project evolves and what the final research project looks like (establishing protocols, parameters, etc.).

Please e-mail us to let us know your interest or contact me directly if you require additional information (phone: 705-730-0284). If you know of others that may also be interested, please let us know as well.