Funding for the Riverview, Mich., golf course project would be provided by construction of the new landfill cell. The golf course has not been renovated since its inception in 1973, and the project is expected to be completed within two years after it is approved.

City officials recently announced a plan that will renovate the Riverview Highlands Golf Course in Riverview, Mich., and pay for those renovations through an expansion of a landfill, the Riverview Land Preserve, the Southgate, Mich., News-Herald reported.

The plan was discussed at the City Council’s June 13 study session. The discussion item highlighted the proposed golf course renovation, but arguably the move that will have greater impact for all city residents, not just golfers or those who live near the golf course, is construction of Cell 8 at the landfill, the News-Herald reported.

“The golf course has not been renovated since its inception in 1973, and administration feels these renovations are necessary to continue operations at the golf course at the current levels,” City Manager Douglas Drysdale wrote as background on the meeting agenda item. “In addition, these proposed renovations would include relocation of the Frank & Poet Drain. Benefits of relocating the drain include improved flood storage and wildlife habitat.”

Landfill expansion and golf course renovation are inextricably tied together. Funding for the golf course project would be provided by construction of the new landfill cell. Drysdale said the new cell would provide continued revenue from operations, as well as additional landfill gas which could be utilized for energy projects and additional revenues, the News-Herald reported.

However, there is one point Drysdale and other city officials said they want to make clear. Rumors had been circulating and statements posted on social media that expansion of the landfill would require permanently closing 9 holes of the 27-hole golf course. Drysdale referred to this assertion as misinformation, the News-Herald reported.

“We will not be eliminating any portion of the golf course,” he said. “During the renovations there may be periods where we reduce the number of holes that are available for play on the red and gold courses.”

Drysdale said the blue course is not included in these renovations. He said that in any discussion regarding renovations or additional landfill cells, City Council members have said they intend for the golf course to keep 27 holes, the News-Herald reported.

“In fact, one potential end-use for the Land Preserve could be additional golf holes,” he said.

The renovations are expected to be completed within one to two years after they have started. 

Creation of Cell 8 at the landfill will require the relocation of the Frank & Poet Drain. According to Drysdale, the drain will be reconfigured into a meandering stream that winds its way through the golf course, providing new wildlife habitat, better drainage and more floodplain storage. He said the relocated drain will provide additional floodplain storage by widening the drain corridor and creating low areas adjacent to the drain, which will be utilized during storms. The drain will be a feature along the golf course and will also provide a visual barrier to the landfill, the News-Herald reported.

Cell 8 will be located on the eastern portion of the landfill, requiring the golf course be reconfigured. The City Council has put the ball in motion by starting the planning and permitting process by environmental engineers, which may take up to two years. Many different agencies will have a hand in approving this project, including the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Wayne County Department of Public Services, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the News-Herald reported.

Drysdale said the agencies will review the plans before there is any approval to begin construction. In addition, public hearings will be held at various stages of the planning process, the News-Herald reported.