Home

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions in this section represent the anticipated concerns of landfill golf project stakeholders.  Answers to the questions have been drafted to provide a typical response to these, and similar, questions about a hypothetical development project.

General Questions

 

Is putting a golf course on a landfill a new concept?

 

Golf courses have been built on landfills for over 39 years.  The National Golf Foundation believes there are over 65 landfill courses throughout the country. Much has been learned about successful construction techniques and operating standards, and this experience will be applied to the development.

 

Why are you putting a golf course on this site?

           

Municipalities and waste companies have been looking into reuse options for some time with the intent of doing something beneficial for the community.  The options for reusing a closed landfill site are few, and golf is recognized as an ideal way to reclaim the land. The location, physical characteristics of the site and the demand for golf in the area contribute to the viability of a golf course.

 

What else could have been done with the site?

           

A variety of uses were considered over the last several years, and the golf course option was determined the best possible use.  It provides green space, a recreational amenity, environmental conservation, and it is self sustaining.

 

Is it safe to play golf on a landfill?

Yes. The property was a municipal solid waste landfill that placed mostly household garbage.  Waste materials are sealed beneath protective layers below the surface of the golf course.  Players do not come into contact with landfill waste or waste byproducts.  Golf has been played safely on landfill courses for more than 39 years in the United States.

 

What about the methane gas?

            

A gas extraction system will be/has been installed that will capture and treat landfill gas.  The gas system will eliminate odor and prevent the migration of gas off premises or into enclosed structures built on the site.

          

Why are you installing a landfill gas system now & what are you currently doing about the gas?

 

The landfill gas system is being installed to assure good golf course turf growth and to eliminate any residual odor.  There is relatively little landfill gas generated at the site, so at present, the waste company/municipality monitors for landfill gas at the site perimeter to verify proper gas control.

 

Economic Questions

 

What are the anticipated economic benefits to the community?

 

The golf course will contribute to the local tax base, and should increase land values in the vicinity.  The course will purchase goods and services, will draw consumers into the area, and will provide some opportunity for employment.  Fund raising opportunities are anticipated through charitable events that may be held at the golf course.

 

Will property taxes go up in the neighborhoods surrounding the course?

 

It is hard to project any changes to existing property values.  If property taxes increase, this will indicate an increase in property values and higher home values.

 

What jobs will be created within the local community?

 

The golf course will employ 25 to 35 people.

 

Environmental Questions

 

How will the environment be protected?

 

The construction of the golf course will begin with the addition of  clean earth over the existing landfill cap. The golf course will be built up from this base. Improvements will be made to the drainage of the site to control irrigation water and stormwater run-off.   Golf course maintenance will be managed by a licensed golf course superintendent who is trained in environmental management.

 

How will site wetlands be preserved?

 

Most of the onsite wetlands, which include lakes, were created when soil was excavated and used for daily cover and other landfill construction purposes. These wetlands will be reshaped, appropriate vegetation will be planted, water quality will be improved, and the wetlands will become a centerpiece of the project.  After golf course construction, the wetlands will be maintained as aquatic preserve areas.

 

Will there be harmful chemicals applied to the golf course?

 

Turf care products typically used in golf course maintenance are similar to residential yard care products and are not considered harmful to human heath or the environment if properly applied.

 

How do the environmentalist groups feel about landfill golf courses?

 

Several major environmentalist groups have contributed to a guidance document for chemical and environmental management of golf courses.  The document even refers to their support of landfill courses as a positive way to approach land reclamation.  In this document, the environmental groups were supportive of landfill golf courses as long as solid environmental management principals were employed in the maintenance of the site. 

 

Won’t chemicals from golf course maintenance pollute surface water and groundwater?

 

Golf course maintenance will be carefully managed by trained professionals who will utilize new turf care products that are designed to prevent undesired environmental impacts.  Additionally, the golf course will be designed to retain and recycle irrigation water on site.

 

Will irrigation water applied to the golf course create a leachate problem beneath the landfill?

 

The golf course will be constructed over the State approved landfill cap. Clean fill will be added to the cap (in all construction areas) and all additional construction will be on top of this material.  The entire site will be graded to drain to the onsite ponds or a storm sewer system.  The irrigation system will be managed to minimize the amount of water used on site and only to maintain vegetative growth.  These measures are designed to prevent the development of a leachate problem.

  

Construction, Nuisance, Inconvenience

 

When it rains, will garbage wash out of the construction area?

 

No. Construction activities at the site will primarily take place on top of the closed landfill cap and in between landfill cells.  Clean fill will be added to the cap and golf course features will be built up from this base.  Landfill waste will only be handled during a brief period while an environmental control system is installed, and measures will be taken to prevent garbage washout.  The objective is to avoid disturbing the waste.

  

During dry spells (summer months), will dust generated by trucks and other construction equipment be a nuisance to neighbors?

           

Construction specifications will require dust suppressant systems, including water trucks, sprinklers, and temporary paving to control dust.  Additionally, dust monitoring will be conducted at the site during construction.

 

Landfills smell a lot; when construction begins, will open piles of garbage cause odors to come into the neighborhoods?

 

There is some potential for odor for a short time during the installation of an environmental control system. Any exposed waste will be covered on a daily basis to minimize odor.  Other than this brief period, odor should not become a problem.  Construction, in general, will not open the landfill, but will be built over it.

 

Construction sites are noisy, how will you handle the noise?

 

There will be some noise related to the heavy machinery, however all heavy construction work will occur during daylight hours.  Construction scheduling will take into consideration the proximity to housing in order to minimize noise impacts in the neighborhood.  In addition, since the site is so large, noise levels at the site fenceline should be less than normal street traffic volumes.

 

Will open garbage piles attract seagulls, flies and other pests?

 

Construction activities at the site will primarily take place on top of the closed landfill cap and in between landfill cells.  Clean fill will be added to the cap and golf course features will be built up from this base.  Landfill waste will only be handled during a brief period while an environmental control system is installed, and measures will be taken to minimize the exposure of garbage to the atmosphere. 

 

Will the clubhouse be on the landfill?

 

 Although some landfill golf developments have built the clubhouse over waste cells, landfill gas and          settlement complicate construction and often drive costs out of site.  The clubhouse for this project will be constructed on land area that is not underlain by waste.

 

Will the presence of the golf course create traffic jams in our neighborhood?

 

No.  Golfers generally come to the course a few at a time since tee times are spread out during the day.

 

 

The Facts About Golf Course Pesticides

Provided by the American Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

1. Why do golf courses use pesticides?

Pesticides help to limit the damage that can be caused by insects, weeds and plant diseases. Insecticides, herbicides and fungicides are used very selectively to protect the health of turf, trees and other living things on the course. Fertilizers provide much-needed nutrition for the course's plant life.

It is very important to note that pesticides and fertilizers are not used primarily for aesthetic reasons. First and foremost, they are tools that help ensure a healthy playing surface for the game. Furthermore, they help to protect a valuable and ecologically important piece of land. Golf courses are tremendous economic assets as well as vital greenspaces for communities. They employ hundreds of thousands of people, enhance local economies through tax revenues and tourism, and provide many ecological benefits. For example, golf courses help to filter air pollutants and create fresh oxygen; they are excellent groundwater recharge sites; and most importantly, they are critical wildlife sanctuaries in urban and suburban areas.

 

2. How does a superintendent decide when to apply a pesticide?

Pest problems on golf courses are often relatively predictable or can be diagnosed as part of an ongoing monitoring program. Once the problem has been identified, the superintendent considers the available option. These could include cultural practices (such as physically removing weeds, changing irrigation patterns or clearing underbrush around a problem area to allow more air movement) or the use of biological controls or chemical products. Once the problem is diagnosed and the right treatment has been selected, the superintendent waits for the ideal time to treat the problem in the most effective and environmentally sound manner available. This approach is often called "integrated pest management."

 

3. What kinds of products are used?

Most people are surprised to find out that the majority of the pesticide products used by superintendents are identical or closely related to those used by homeowners.

 

4. How do we know that these products aren't harmful to humans or wildlife?

Pesticide production is one of the most highly regulated industries in the United States. Before a product is registered by the EPA, it must be rigorously tested for potential human health and environmental effects. This process can take up to ten years and involve more than 120 different tests and studies. Today, manufacturers often invest up to $50 million in product safety and testing before a new pesticide ever comes to the market.

 

5. Are golfers at risk?

No. There is no scientific evidence that golfers face any chronic health risks from the pesticides used to maintain courses. Once a liquid product is applied and the turfgrass is dry or the product has been watered in, there is very little chance of exposure to golfers or others who enter the area. It is worth noting that a small percentage of people may be allergic to a particular product, just as some people are allergic to household cleaners, soaps or perfumes. Golfers with possible chemical allergies are always encouraged to contact superintendents to find out what products might be in use.

 

6. If the products aren't dangerous, why do professional applicators wear protective gear?

Applicators work directly with pesticides and are exposed much more often than golfers. Applicators are exposed to concentrated material during mixing and loading. Consider the fact that it is safe for a person to have an occasional x-ray, but the technician may actually leave the room to prevent repeated exposure. Pesticide label directions (which carry the weight of law) require that applicators take certain precautions based on the assumption that the same person will be repeatedly exposed to the same product over many years. These precautions may include the use of rubber gloves, goggles, respirators or protective clothing.

 

7. Some media stories suggest that pesticides are linked to cancer. What are the facts?

Most of the product testing required by EPA focuses on this question. Before a product is registered, tests are done (usually on laboratory rats) using exposure rates that are considerably higher than any exposure a golfer could ever receive. Although a recent study commissioned by GCSAA to examine cause of death among its members found some higher rates of certain cancers, researchers said no cause-and -effect relationship could be established from he data. They also said lifestyle choices (smoking, dieting, stress, etc.) were the most significant factor in the results.

 

8. Do properly applied chemicals pose a threat to groundwater, lakes or streams?

No. Studies consistently show that a well-managed golf course can actually improve water quality on and around the facility. Research also shows that when pesticides and fertilizers are used properly, they do not tend to seep into groundwater or run off in surface water. Modern products and practices allow superintendents to mange turfgrass so efficiently that there is little chance of harm to our precious water resources.

 

9. What kinds of training and education do superintendents and golf course applicators have?

Golfers are often surprised to find that most superintendents have college degrees in agronomy, horticulture or a related field. Because it's important to keep up-to-date with new information and technologies, the majority also attend continuing education programs offered by universities and associations like GCSAA. Superintendents are widely considered to be among the best-educated and most judicious users of pesticide products. The vast majority of superintendents are using integrated pest management practices to ensure that both the turf and the environment stay healthy. Applicators are also trained and licensed by the state. In some states pesticide applications can only be made after a written recommendation is made by a licensed pest control applicator. A recent study indicated that nearly 100 percent of GCSAA-member courses had at least one licensed applicator on staff (despite the fact that it isn't necessarily required in some states.) This confirms a high degree of compliance and concern about safe and proper usage of chemical tools.

 

 

Top of Page          Home