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Knowledge

Equipment Wash Areas

 All golf clubs need adequate wash pad facilities, with provision for filtering clippings out of the wash water and separating oils and other contaminants.

In several countries it is a legal requirement to have special waste water filtration systems. In all other cases it should be a priority target for completion. For cleaning mowers and other machinery it is best first to use compressed air and then low pressure water hoses. This reduces the likelihood of grease and oil being washed off, as well as saving on water use.

Best Management Practices

Clean Machines

  • Conserve water by blowing equipment off with compressed air before washing
  • Spray nozzles on cleaning equipment should generate high pressure at low volumes
  • Wash-pad should be concreted, sealed and have the capacity to completely contain wash-water
  • Wash-pad should be covered to exclude recycling or handling of rain-water
  • Pesticide application equipment should not be cleaned in the same area

Waste water from maintenance facility wash-pads contains a mixture of clippings, oil, fuel and pesticides and needs careful treatment. A simple oil / grease separators can be used to separate wash water with good effect. Basket filters can remove much of the solid waste which can then be collected for composting.

The wash water should then be passed through a filtration system and be reused if possible. Wash water could also be taken to a bio-filtration area (bio-bed) before eventual discharge or in some cases it can be taken to a foul drainage sewer.

Technical Resources

  • Closed Loop Recycle Systems

    Guidelines for implementing BMPs at facilities operating 100% closed-loop recycle systems, covering several different options for managing the wastewater. Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

    PDF 1.1 MB Pub. 7 Oct 2007

Case Studies

  • Keeping it Clean

    Practical case study of wash pad design and construction. Brian D. Anderson, Director of Turfgrass Management, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Pennsylvania.

    PDF 264.7 KB Pub. 28 Jan 2004

Further Reading

  • Maintenance Facility Design

    The maintenance facility is the hub of all golf course maintenance activity and is one of the most important components of course infrastructure. USGA Greens Section.

    PDF 1.5 MB Pub. 27 Aug 2004