Best Management Practices for Maryland Golf Courses

Erosion and Sediment Control

MDE has implemented a statewide erosion and sediment control program to control sediment- laden runoff from land-disturbing activities in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 26.17.01, the 2011 Maryland Standards and Specifications for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control handbook, and the Stormwater Management Act of 2007. MDE's regulations establish criteria and procedures for erosion and sediment control throughout Maryland. These regulations enhance erosion and sediment control practices, improve the water quality of construction site runoff, and help in Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. The handbook serves as the official guide for erosion and sediment control principles, methods, and practices. Each county and municipality, in turn, is required to adopt an erosion and sediment control ordinance that meets the intent of Maryland's sediment control laws and regulations.

Listed Species

In addition to identifying any wetlands or floodplains before construction, any federal- or state- listed species or species of concern potentially present on the site should be identified in consultation with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' Natural Heritage Program .

Planning

Proper planning will minimize expenses resulting from unforeseen construction requirements. Good planning provides opportunities to maximize/integrate environmentally favorable characteristics into the property. This often requires the involvement of experts in a number of fields.

Best Management Practices

• Assemble a qualified team, with all the necessary experts represented. • Determine objectives and complete a feasibility study (considering finances, environment, water, energy, labor, materials, and governmental regulatory requirements/restrictions). • Select an appropriate site that is capable of achieving project goals. • Identify strengths and weakness of the selected site. • Identify any rare, protected, endangered, or threatened plant or animal species on the site.

Design

Proper design will meet the needs of the stakeholders, protect the location’s environmental resources, include site-appropriate drainage features, and be economically sustainable. Design also includes the selection of site-appropriate turf cultivars that ideally require less input to maintain a healthy and diverse turf. For more information, see the chapter on "Surface Water Management," the Cultivar Selection section of the "Cultural Practices" chapter, and Recommended Turfgrass Cultivars for Certified Sod Production and Seed Mixtures in Maryland . 2016. University of Maryland.

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