Advocacy Alert: Synthetic Turf Playing Fields - Comments Requested by FCPA
Synthetic turf ball field.
Fairfax County Park Authority is seeking comments on a proposal from the McLean Little League (MLL) to fund the conversion of a grass baseball diamond at Linway Terrace Park a to synthetic turf playing field. Comments will be accepted until Februrary 12. Linway Terrace Park is a nearly eleven-acre park is used by residents and youth sports leagues.
Given MLL’s proposal and the history of synthetic field installations in Fairfax County, FCPA is seeking to weigh public opinion of installation of a synthetic field at this site in light of concerns that have been raised by various groups.
Eleven synthetic turf fields currently exist in McLean. In general, athletic fields are in demand, and MLL believes that synthetic turf would provide a longer playing season than natural grass fields. The proposal is to install synthetic turf with a crumb rubber filler.
Concerns have been raised nationwide over the health and environmental effects of synthetic turf. Several municipalities across the U.S. are calling for or have implemented moratoriums on the construction of synthetic turf fields until more is known about exposure.
The primary concerns are that synthetic fields may pose significant health and environmental risks: potential exposure to constituents or breakdown products. These include potential exposure to ‘forever’ chemicals (PFAS), heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds; increased heat from the tendency to generate excessive heat in the summer; the potential impact on air quality; and the potential for toxic substances to leach into soil and water. Disposal is also a concern as the expected life span of synthetic fields is about eight to ten years.
Background
In 2013, Fairfax County published a study on the use of synthetic turf in the county (Synthetic Task Force 2013). In 2016, in light of the health and environmental concerns surrounding synthetic turf, the county reviewed scientific literature existing at that time. This generated a decision in 2017, that crumb rubber infill was acceptable.
Also in 2016, EPA launched a two-part, multi-agency study aimed at understanding the potential effects of exposure. Part 1 of the EPA report was released. and characterizes the constituents of the product (Factsheet EPA Study-Pt 1). Part II will address the potential human health effects and is not yet available.
Clicking the link, below, will open a page on the Fairfax County website with access to a virtual meeting held on January 12, 2023. Comments can also be submitted via this link and will be accepted until Feb. 12, 2023. Comments may also be emailed to: JT73426@PublicInput.com.
Further information is provided below, including a public hearing from January 12, 2023. You may also contact the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662 or write to Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov