A PESTICIDE banned in North America is being sprayed over Hong Kong's newest golf course.
The Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club's two 18-hole courses on Kau Sai Chau in Sai Kung, have been sprayed with Diazinon, a pesticide which has been banned in Canada and the United States since the beginning of the decade after it killed hundreds of geese, duck and other birds.
An environmental impact assessment study presented to the Government says: 'Chlorpyrifos, an insecticide, was applied to treat an outbreak of army worms from May 24, 1995, to the end of July. Diazinon was used to treat a smaller infestation of cut worm.' The assessment report listed Diazinon as one of the pesticides of choice to be used against certain insects. The pest infestation was traced to contaminated turf imported to the club.
A golf course spokesman denied the chemical had been used, until the Post read the study to him.
David Green, director of Axis Environmental Consultants - the firm which conducts the environmental monitoring and auditing - said: 'Had they had the foresight this problem could have been dealt with at source and the whole problem avoided.
'The chemical was approved by Agriculture and Fisheries. It is the pesticide of choice for this problem.' Dr Green said he believed the chemical was safe and presented no danger to the public.
'There are probably other chemicals which have become available and are more environmentally friendly and we may explore those options,' Dr Green said.