Grand Haven, MI (WGHN) – Grand Haven Township trustees are asking the state to take another look at American Dunes Golf Club’s groundwater permit, citing concerns the course is contributing to an ongoing water shortage in the area.
The Township Board of Trustees passed a resolution Monday requesting the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy review the permit. The move comes after months of complaints from nearby residents about dropping water levels and declining water quality.
Fox 17 reports that Township officials say the golf course is the largest user of groundwater in the area. A study commissioned by the township and conducted by Lakeshore Environmental Inc. found the course’s large irrigation system has worsened already low groundwater levels.
Some neighbors report ponds running low and water quality problems, with several spending tens of thousands of dollars on treatments to address rising iron levels and other issues.
Township Manager Bill Cargo said while American Dunes has taken steps to reduce water loss, the township does not have the authority to enforce changes and is instead asking the state to review the findings and determine whether action is needed.
Lakeshore Environmental Inc. and American Dunes Golf Club did not respond to requests for comment. from Fox 17.
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