Authorities insist soil samples from city pitches are safe
Soil samples showing high levels of minerals at two city pitches are not a threat to health and safety of players, authorities have insisted.
Galway City Council last week asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to examine soil test results, which revealed massively high levels of zinc, copper and iron at the new pitches at Westside.
The readings from soil samples taken at Corrib Rangers soccer pitches and St Michael’s GAA pitch were way above recommended levels, in some cases 11 times the recommended levels.
But the Public Health Department of the HSE told the City Council this week that “based on the concentrations of trace elements found in the top soil from the sports field, there does not seem to be any concern for adverse human health effects.”
In a statement, the local authority added: “On that basis, Galway City Council is satisfied that there is no threat to human health for users of the sports-grounds at Westside.”
Sources in both the soccer and GAA clubs last week complained that the high level of mineral content in the soil was stunting grass growth.
Stephen Walsh, Director of Services, said he will visit the site “at the earliest available opportunity” to examine the playing surface.
“What must be borne in mind is that the pitch is a sand-based surface, which has no nutrient basis but improves drainage; we have had the largest number of storms in a winter that I can remember; the surface that was highly stressed by weather, darkness, short days with no grass growth, water ingress; and fully grown men in teams running up and down it all winter creates wear and tear,” explained Mr Walsh.
He said the test results were undertaken on the soil that existed on the site, not on imported material. “The original soil would have been part of the filling of these lands many years ago,” he said.
Mr Walsh added: “I’d like to clarify something here though – the purpose of the tests was to specify the most effective fertiliser application. The translocation and uptake of fertilisers, which contain most of the elements referred to in the tests carried out on the soil, is heavily affected by the electro-conductivity of the soil. Put simply certain elements assist with uptake whilst others can inhibit it. The mix specified works to create a balance to improve translocation, reduce losses into ground water and replenish any deficits.”
In relation to the upkeep of the pitches Mr Walsh said: “Ideally the availability of a full-time grounds team like in any of the sporting stadia would help to manage wear and tear on a continual basis; for us that’s not a reality. We do the best we can with what is available. The matter of pitch management will be addressed internally with my colleagues and supervisors.”
An official St Michael’s GAA Club spokesperson said: “We weren’t aware of any soil issues. We have been in touch with the Council who don’t know anything either regarding above. They are beginning to aerate, sand and fertilize the pitch this week and we are looking forward to good growth with the seasonal increase in temperature due.
“Many visiting teams have commented about the excellent playing surface with exceptional drainage over the winter months. When many other facilities were closed around the city we found ourselves in a position to host schools’ games when many others couldn’t. We look forward to the continuation of training as normal and a fun filled Easter camp starting tomorrow (Tuesday March 29).”