The Basel Sports Office is rolling out artificial turf as a replacement for the closed football fields.
Keystone
The Basel Sports Office is rolling out artificial turf to replace the football training fields that were closed due to Japanese beetle control. In the meantime, fewer beetles have fallen into the traps that have been set up, but this is not interpreted as an all-clear, as the responsible authorities in both Basels announced on Wednesday.
Since July 24, 2024, seven beetles have been found in both Basel, it is said. The number of finds is extremely low compared to previous weeks, but this cannot be interpreted as an all-clear. According to a statement from the Basel Department of Construction and Transport and the Basel-Landschaft Department of Economic Affairs and Health, this is probably due to the fact that the beetle’s main flight period is coming to an end.
The authorities are also preparing to use roundworms – so-called nematodes – on public lawns, meadows and sports areas in the vicinity of the sites where the worms were found. The use of nematodes is planned for the end of August, depending on the weather, it is said.
Due to the watering ban and the drought, the Rheinacker and Hörnli sports fields in the affected area had to be closed. In order to be able to offer additional training areas, the Basel Sports Office is rolling out the mobile artificial turf early, which would otherwise only be used in winter.
No compensation for private individuals
When it comes to compensation, the two cantons of Basel adhere to federal guidelines. The costs recognized by the federal government are limited to compensation for agricultural businesses or horticultural production businesses.
According to the communication, private individuals or other institutions cannot assert any financial claims based on the measures taken in connection with the Japanese beetle.
dosp, sda
