Gross National GC in Minneapolis has cut down 200 ash trees and plans to remove 50 more to battle the Emerald Ash Borer. In Florida, the shuttered Port Malabar GC is set to be redeveloped, but neighbors are concerned about high levels of arsenic in the ground that could be stirred up through construction.
During the last few years, Gross National Golf Club in Minneapolis, Minn., has cut down 200 ash trees and plans to remove 50 more this season because of the Emerald Ash Borer, the Grand Forks (N.D.)-based WDAZ 8 reported.
The head groundskeeper, Jason Wilford, said other courses around the state may follow their preventive plan, now that the beetle has spread to Anoka County, WDAZ 8 reported.
“The ash borer will keep moving and eventually reach northern Minnesota and it will affect every course in Anoka County and further north,” Wilford said.
Gross National Golf Club is replacing some ash trees with other varieties of trees, WDAZ 8 reported.
Port Malabar (Fla.) Golf Course, which hasn’t been used since the 2004 hurricane season, is set for redevelopment by Palm Bay Greens LLC, but high levels of arsenic in the ground are a concern for residents, the Orlando (Fla.) News 13 reported.
The developer plans to create 101 lots for upscale homes on 52 acres. While the land doesn’t pose an immediate risk, Country Club Vista Homeowners Association President Juergen Luebker said residents are concerned that any new construction will stir up and release arsenic into the air, News 13 reported.
“It’s a poison in simple words,” said Luebker. “I’m not a chemist. Arsenic can cause a lot of health problems.”
Scientists said arsenic is found naturally, but elevated levels have been detected at several golf courses that use herbicides to treat the grass, including Port Malabar, News 13 reported.
“Before we do any development on the property, before we turn any dirt at all, we will have that arsenic re-mediated, taken out of the ground,” said Palm Bay Greens LLC attorney Jack Spira.
The city council has given preliminary approval for the new residential subdivision. The developer still has to come up with an arsenic removal plan before construction can begin, News 13 reported.
The company hopes to work with the homeowners association to ensure that there are no concerns about drainage or arsenic. They may expand and develop more land on the golf course, but that depends on the economy and the environment, News 13 reported.
Palm Bay Greens LLC hopes to get final city approval later this year and begin construction before the end of the year, News 13 reported.
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