The summer of 2008 was my first as environment Chair.

Under the guidance of my predecessor John Brydon, on three occasions during the summer I sampled the water flowing out of the golf course at five different locations. The samples were analyzed for phosphate content. The samples were all found to have a very low phosphate content. This result is consistent with the fact that for many years now the DCC has worked to reduce phosphate applications on the   course. Since 2007, zero-phosphate fertilizers are applied on the fairways. Fertilizers with a very low phosphate content (2%) are applied on the greens and tee-offs.

The process of having an agronomist prepare in 2009 a pesticide reduction plan to be sent to the Quebec department of environment and a fertilizer reduction plan to be sent to Wentworth Township is well underway. It is worth remembering that the first pesticide reduction plan prepared three years ago had come to the conclusion that the amount of pesticides used on our course was already at a minimum, and therefore no further reductions were recommended then.

A specific measure required by the Wentworth fertilizer and pesticide bylaw was taken in 2008:  the ground was elevated for the two paths crossing the stream on the 8th hole. This is required so that the paths don’t carry sediments to the stream during heavy rains.

Measures have continued to be taken to assure and maintain the quality of the well water. The well was closed and sanitized a total of four times during the season. The well water was sampled and brought to a certified lab a total of twelve times during the season, as required by provincial guidelines.

François Côté
Chair - Environment