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1 .
All information gathered during site visits at member facilities is confidential and remains either in the MTESP’s or at the member golf course. |
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2 .
Members of the MTESP staff have no authority to issue citations for any lapses of compliance found at any golf course we visit. Our mission is to provide our membership with an evaluation of their level of compliance and work with them to develop a plan to met all compliance issues. |
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3 .
Though we encourage everyone to comply with all environmental laws and regulations of the state, one of the purpose of the program is to help golf course assess their current environmental compliance/exposure. |
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4 .
The environmental action plan is developed with a three year time frame in mind but, that time frame is to used as a goal. The idea with setting a three year time frame is that a new action plan should developed every three years to remain current with all the changes in environmental laws and regulations. |
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5 .
The two programs are similar is some ways but, the MTESP is focused on how Michigan golf courses are impacted by Michigan environmental laws and regulations. The Audubon program has set some guidelines on how they believe maintenance facilities should be designed across the country but their guidelines do not cover the environmental laws for each specific state across the country. |
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6 .
Though it is true that some costs will be incurred if you need to make update or upgrades at your current facility to meet state regulations. These costs would be incurred any time you updated the facility. When working with a MTESP staff member you may in fact be able to develop a course of action that will not only meet state regulation requirements but, may also save you money. Also, the staff member should be able to help you make sure the update is done up to regulation standards the first time. We are also looking to able to offer the opportunity to achieve a insurance break by becoming certified in the program. |
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7 .
Though we highly encourage our members to use buffer strips or low maintenance areas on their golf courses having these “native or naturalized" areas is not a requirement to become certified. |
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8 .
Becoming a member of MTESP or requesting a visit of any type does not trigger any type of response by any of the state regulatory agencies. Though MTESP staff work closely with individuals from the state agencies, all contact with those individuals are in an information gathering capacity only. Maintaining those relationships increase our members level of compliance due to our constantly stay current with the laws and regulations. |
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9 .
The information covered in all the MTESP deals with only with environmental laws and regulations. Due to the complexity on the MIOSHA requirements it has been MTESP’s policy not to address MIOSHA requirements. |
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10 .
We have found that things work better if after doing the self-assessment part of the workbook, that the course request a site visit prior to making changes to the facility. During the site visit MTESP staff can aid the course in developing an action plan specifically for their facility. The plan will assist the course in assessing and prioritizing their risks and aid in determining their level of compliance. During this visit suggestions will be offered on alternative ways to address specific requirements that save time and money. |
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11 .
Once achieving certified status we strive to continually challenge those courses to stay ahead of the curve. Certified courses are also required to stay current with any changes in the laws or regulations since they received certification. As a way of maintaining compliance site visits should be requested every three years. |
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