Gyeonggi Health and Environment Research Institute Conducts 'Residual Pesticide Inspection' at All Golf Courses in the Province

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province is set to conduct pesticide residue inspections at golf courses within the province.

The Gyeonggi Provincial Institute of Health and Environment announced on the 26th that it will carry out a "pesticide residue survey during the rainy season" targeting 165 golf courses in the province from July to September.

The pesticide residue survey is conducted twice annually, during the dry season (April to June) and the rainy season, in accordance with the Water Environment Conservation Act.

In particular, the rainy season survey collects samples within 2 to 6 days after rainfall, considering the increased use of pesticides to prevent pests and diseases during the hot and humid period.

The Institute, together with local governments, collects soil and water samples (such as from ponds) within golf courses and tests a total of 28 types of pesticides, including 3 highly toxic pesticides and 7 pesticides banned for turf use.

To ensure transparency, private organizations (NGOs) also participate in sample collection.

Since 2006 through last year, pesticide residue inspections have not detected highly toxic or turf-banned pesticides. Only trace amounts of general pesticides permitted for use on golf course turf were found.

The results of the golf course pesticide residue inspections and pesticide usage information are publicly available on the Ministry of Environment's Soil and Groundwater Information System.

Sung Yeon-guk, Head of the Air Environment Research Department at the Gyeonggi Provincial Institute of Health and Environment, emphasized, "As golf course usage by residents has increased due to COVID-19, we will continue to conduct consistent and accurate pesticide residue surveys to ensure the creation of safe and eco-friendly golf courses."