The proposal to replace turf fields at the two high schools — beginning with Newton South High School — is moving forward. The Parks, Recreation, and Culture Department appeared before the Conservation Commission in October with a short presentation regarding the need to replace Newton South’s field and discussed the various types of turf under consideration (see Fig City News article).
The Department also held a community meeting on October 24 (see Presentation and Recording). The presentation was similar but longer than the one for the Conservation Commission, with more in-depth discussion about the different types of materials and concern over PFAS — described by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as “per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) … used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water.” According to the CDC, “fluoropolymer coatings are in a variety of products, including clothing, furniture, adhesives, food packaging, heat-resistant non-stick cooking surfaces, and the insulation of electrical wire. Many PFAS, including perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are a concern because they:
- Do not break down in the environment,
- Can move through soils and contaminate drinking water sources, and
- Build up (bioaccumulate) in fish and wildlife.”
Heather Lanza, a PFAS Subject Matter Expert working with CDM Smith, stated that studies suggest there is potential for adverse health effects with a high level of exposure to PFAs. She said given the concern about these compounds, they conducted interviews with potential turf providers and, based upon responses and test results, they believe that they already have or will be reducing the use of products containing these chemicals and are moving toward silicon-based products.
Resident Ellie Goldberg was the only non-presenter to weigh in with questions and comments. She raised two concerns regarding consultation with public health sources and the recycling of these products. Luis Perez-Demorizi, Director of Parks and Open Space, responded that they had not consulted with public health sources and were mostly looking at manufacturers. The Commissioner of Parks, Recreation, and Culture, Nicole Banks, responded that they will look in their bidding process for a contractor to do the installation and be responsible for the disposal of all materials.
In addition, a timeline for the project was presented with an anticipated construction start time before the end of the school year. The Parks, Recreation, and Culture Department, along with the project team, will be going to the Programs and Services Committee TONIGHT, Wednesday, November 9 at 7:45PM to provide an update on the project and, according to the agenda, discuss best practices and materials used for athletic field surfacing, both natural, and synthetic and discuss playability, safety, durability, environmental impacts, replacement, maintenance, and cost over time.
