The Hidden Hazard: Arsenic Contamination in Golf Courses

This blog post is about the often-overlooked issue of arsenic contamination in golf courses. Drawing from both environmentalist and geologist perspectives, we mention how arsenic ends up in these spaces and potential solutions to this environmental conundrum.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element in the Earth's crust.  It is introduced into aquatic environments from both natural and manmade sources.  Natural arsenic occurrence in water is caused by the weathering and dissolution of arsenic-bearing rocks and minerals. Arsenic has also been used historically in pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, many of which were applied extensively on golf courses to maintain pristine playing conditions.  Although a metal, arsenic can be mobilized under certain environmental conditions and sometimes finds its way into surficial aquifers and nearby water bodies in golf courses.  

Many golf courses in the United States, particularly older ones, have soil arsenic levels significantly higher than the natural background level due to the historical application of arsenic-based pesticides.

Arsenic accumulates in soils and water bodies, where it can harm plants, animals, and microorganisms. The contamination can spread to neighboring areas through water flow, affecting entire ecosystems.  Arsenic can leach into the ground and contaminate aquifers, which are crucial sources of drinking water for many communities.  The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has guidelines known as the Soil and Groundwater Cleanup Target Levels for residential and commercial settings.  At Integra Environmental, these arsenic target levels are compared with background levels during assessment of the subsurface areas of concern.  Following a comprehensive assessment, monitoring and/or remedial alternatives are proposed to clients and local regulatory agencies.  

One of the more direct solutions is to excavate and replace the contaminated soil. The contaminated soil is either treated to remove the arsenic or properly disposed of at permitted landfills.  Another practical solution Integra Environmental has been involved in several City of Miami parks is called “Capping.” Capping passive strategies involved engineering and institutional controls.  This practical solution requires the removal or not of subsurface contaminated soil layers, installation of a geotextile membrane, and resurfacing with clean fill materials.  Creating wetlands or buffer zones of native plants around golf courses can help filter arsenic from runoff before it reaches critical water sources. This solution marries geological and environmental knowledge by utilizing the landscape as a natural filter.

Educating golf course managers, policymakers, and the public on the dangers of arsenic contamination and the benefits of sustainable golf course management practices is essential. Advocacy for cleaner, greener golf courses can drive significant change.  Arsenic contamination in golf courses is a complex issue with serious health and environmental implications. By understanding the geological aspects of how arsenic behaves in the environment and employing solutions grounded in this understanding, we can protect both people and the planet.