Register by Mail and Absentee Ballots available

Good morning,
Regardless of how you decide to cast your vote, it's wonderful that a conversation regarding this issue is happening.
Please be aware that you can  register to vote on the referendum as well as cast an absentee ballot by mail if you are unable to physically get to the school to cast your vote on November 13th from 7-9PM.
Call the  District Clerk at 265-9254 x115 for the registration paperwork. ....I got a note on mine stating that registration applications need to be returned by Friday 11/2 in order for ballots to be mailed out....

Research Points on Artificial Turf

First off, we would like to thank all of the people who have put in countless hours working on the PLAY HALDANE project. We are all in favor of having nice fields and getting the kids outside more. However, the artificial turf is of concern to a number of us. The use of artificial turf has been presented as “the only choice”. It is not the only choice, it is a choice. The goal of the Safe Fields group is to educate people so that they will know the implications of the choice that they make.

The possible dangers associated with artificial turf include (A) chemical off-gassing, (B) contamination of ground and surface water, (C) increase in pathogens, (D) increase in injuries, and (E) heat. Other considerations include (A) On-going cost (B) Carbon Footprint (C) Care/Protection, (D) Allergies and (E) Level of Increased Use.

I. POSSIBLE DANGERS:

(A) Chemical Off-Gassing

With respect to chemical off-gassing, the 2009 New York study (“An Assessment of Chemical Leaching, Releases to Air and Temperature at Crumb-Rubber Infilled Synthetic Turf Fields”, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Department of Health, May 2009; hereafter, “NY2009”) concluded that it is not a problem. However, it does acknowledge that “Other factors such as compression and degradation of the crumb rubber during field use and changes attributable to solar radiation may affect the release of chemicals in the ambient environment.”

Connecticut studied the issue of chemical off-gassing of crumb rubber samples collected from actual fields (of different ages) and from air during field use. (“Artificial Turf Field Investigation in Connecticut, Final Report”, University of Connecticut Health Center, July 27, 2010; hereafter “CT2010A”) When analyzing the crumb rubber, they found more than ten VOCs in samples from the newer fields.

For their field-use study, they took measurements during simulated playing conditions and found four VOCs that appear to be turf-related: Acetone, Acrolein, Hexane, and Toluene, all of which appeared at greater than twice the ambient rate. Also, the SVOC Benzothiazole was found at significantly increased levels. For an outdoor field, it is arguable whether these would cause significant harm to players. However, significance of harm is a mathematical probability. No one will argue that exposure to higher levels of these VOCs and SVOC is good for you.

Furthermore, we don't even know all of the possible neurotoxins and carcinogens that are in the tires. In NY2009, they noted the presence of a number of unidentified substances. What if some of these turn out to be even more harmful? What is good for tires is not good for children.

Although we might be tempted to ignore the dramatically higher readings for toxins from indoor fields (since our field is outdoor), it is important to realize that the toxins had to go somewhere. If we bring 200 tons of used tires into our community, there will be an impact.

(B) Contamination of Ground and Surface Water

NY2009 determined that surface water contamination is only an issue when the crumb-rubber mixture was made solely of truck tires, but not when it was made from mixed sources. This is interesting and deserves further investigation. However, the NY2009 laboratory tests were done on samples directly from the factory during a single month, rather than from actual fields. It is uncertain how the combination of factors present on a playing field impact release of toxic components. In contrast, the Connecticut study (“Artificial Turf Study: Leachate and Stormwater Characteristics, Final Report”, Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, July 2010; hereafter “CT2010L”) tested actual run-off from fields, and found at least one sample from each field tested that exceeded the acute aquatic toxicity criteria for zinc. CT2010L further concluded that “there is a potential risk to surface waters and aquatic organisms associated with whole effluent and zinc toxicity of stormwater runoff from artificial turf fields. Zinc concentrations in the stormwater may cause exceedences of the acute aquatic toxicity criteria for receiving surface waters, especially smaller watercourses.” The Norwegian Pollution Control Authority classifies artificial turf runoff as Environmental Quality Class V (very strongly polluted water) (as cited in CT2010L).

Furthermore, CT2010L found thirteen “unidentified chromatograph peaks” in the stormwater. What this means is that the tests showed there was stuff in there, but they don't know what it is. Those materials might prove to be harmless, but it is mere conjecture at this point.

CT2010L further recommends use of stormwater treatment measures to reduce concentrations of zinc from runoff from artificial turf. If a decision is made to install artificial turf, we recommend that non-porous drainage pipes are selected, and the pipes drain to a single location, where runoff can be treated appropriately. Such a set-up could also be used to minimize spread of cleaning and disinfection agents used on the field.

(C) Increase in Pathogens

The question of whether infections such as MRSA (drug-resistant staph) are more common on artificial turf “has not been studied systematically, and no definitive statements can be made about differences in risk between the two surfaces”.  (“Fact Sheet: Crumb-Rubber Infilled Synthetic Turf Athletic Fields”, New York State Department of Health, July 2008; hereafter “Fact Sheet”)  However, lack of beneficial bacteria (present in grass) may reduce natural break-down of pathogens. Cleaning and disinfection of artificial turf may reduce pathogens, but they are expensive and raise environmental concerns. There is no requirement that MRSA cases be reported to the CDC, so it is hard to compare rates of infection. However, when the St. Louis Rams football team had a major outbreak of MRSA (9% of the players each had at least one MRSA infection), they invited the CDC to examine the problem. The CDC determined that all of the infections developed at turf-burn sites. All. (“A Clone of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aurens among Professional Football Players”, The New England Journal of Medicine, Feb. 3, 2005) So, regardless of whether the turf itself contained the pathogen, the skin lesions cause by the turf (Fact Sheet) could mean the difference between having no cases of MRSA and having a major MRSA problem.

(D) Increase in Injuries

Studies addressing the question of whether there are more injuries on artificial turf or on grass have very mixed results. However, some of the reports showing more injuries on grass were funded by artificial turf interests. (Specifically referencing research by Montana State professor Michael Meyers that was published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine. This research was allegedly funded by FieldTurf.) An NFL panel found that certain serious knee and ankle injuries happen more often in games played on FieldTurf (the most popular brand of artificial turf). Examining the 2002 through 2008 NFL seasons, comparing games played on grass to those on FieldTurf, it found that the rate of ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries was 88% higher in FieldTurf games. (Too few games were played on brands other than FieldTurf to be included in the study.) Ankle sprains were 32% higher on FieldTurf than on grass. Medial collateral ligament injuries and a less serious type of ankle sprain also happened more frequently, but the difference wasn't statistically significant. (“NFL panel finds some knee, ankle injuries more common on turf”, AP, 3/12/2012.)

(E) Heat Stress

“At the present time, NYSDOH is unaware of any studies that have examined the role of synthetic turf in contributing to heat stress...” (Fact Sheet) Lack of studies does not indicate a lack of problem. Nobody denies that artificial turf gets really hot. NY2009 compared surface temperatures of artificial turf, grass, and sand and found median temperatures of 132 on artificial turf, 87 on grass, and 86 degrees on sand. BYU found an average surface temperature of artificial turf to be 117 degrees, while the average temperature of grass was 78 degrees and the average temperature of asphalt was 110 degrees. (Fact Sheet) A maximum temperature of 200 degrees F. has been measured on the BYU synthetic turf field. (as cited in NY2009) Artificial turf gets hotter than asphalt.

A University of Missouri turfgrass specialist took measurements on a sunny 98 degree day and found artificial turf surface temperature to be 178 degrees and “head-level” air temperature to be 138 degrees. (as cited in NY2009) A Penn State University study measured surface temperatures on nine different plots on artificial turf, on three different occasions. Test 1 had an air temperature of 79 degrees and a surface temperature of 120 degrees (plus 41 degrees); test 2 had an air temperature of 78 degrees and a surface temperature of 130 degrees (plus 52 degrees); test 3 had an air temperature of 85 degrees and a surface temperature of 146 degrees (plus 61 degrees). (as cited in NY2009) (Air temperature measurements appear to be off the artificial turf; apparently, this study did not take “head-level” air temperatures.)

NY2009 found increased surface temperature of artificial turf, but did not find increased head-level temperatures. This is an interesting finding, but it is conterintuitive and is inconsistent with other studies. Further studies are needed before accepting this conclusion. The Fact Sheet does state that “The potential for and frequency of high surface temperatures warrant consideration when making decisions about installing and using a synthetic turf field.”

Satellite images of the earth can detect areas of greater temperature. On these images, artificial turf fields and black roofs show up with similar heat intensities. (Google Images)

Artificial turf fact sheets acknowledge the heat problem and recommend that games and practices be re-scheduled if it is too hot. BYU has set a playability limit of 120 degrees.

Water can be used to reduce the surface temperature, but temperature rises again very quickly. A BYU study “found that watering synthetic turf lowered the surface temperature from 174 degrees to 85 degrees, but the temperature rose to 120 degrees in five minutes and to 164 degrees in twenty minutes.” (as cited in Fact Sheet)

The heat-intensifying nature of artificial turf if bad for both our kids and our community.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

(A) On-Going Cost

In 8-12 years, the artificial turf would need to be replaced, at a cost of approximately $350,000-$400,000. (PlayHaldane.com) Amortizing $350,000 over ten years, the field is costing $35,000 a year. In addition, it costs $1,400,000 to install it. The base of the field will probably last for about two infills (www.redhenturf.com), so we can amortize the base over 20 years, giving another $70,000 a year. We're up to $95,000 a year, and we haven't yet budgeted for maintenance (cleaning, disinfection, vacuuming) and repair. Funds obtained for field use are earmarked for maintenance. (PlayHaldane.com) It would be interesting to see an estimate of predicted receipts and expenditures.

A comparative estimate of annual costs (including maintenance and amortization of installation and replacement costs) comes up with $109,000 for a Synthetic Turf Field, $90,000 for a Professional Stadium Sand-Based Natural Field (an NFL field), and $36,000 for a Top-Quality Sand-Capped Natural Field (considered to be a top quality high school or NCAA field). (These estimates include annual maintenance of $10,000 for the artificial turf field, $50,000 for the NFL field and $15,000 for the NCAA field--this estimate for the NCAA field is for a very extensive maintenance program; more than most schools probably spend on maintenance for a single field.) (www.redhenturf.com)

Do we really want to commit ourselves to paying almost three times as much for artificial turf as for a top-quality high school field? Also, if the district is short on money, we could skimp on maintenance of a grass field for a few years without completely destroying the field; the same cannot be said about artificial turf. Any failure to do routine maintenance and repair on artificial turf could void the warranty.

How much is Haldane currently spending in labor and materials for the maintenance of the field? Does the current field have proper drainage installed and a special root-zone soil mixture? How many times per year do we core aerify the field? (Should be two to five times a year and make two to threee passes per time.) Has sports turf training been provided to the groundskeepers? If we are not doing these things, we are not giving grass a fair shot.

The useful life for a grass field is expected to be 5 years (Fact Sheet). Our current field is 9 years old, so 80 percent beyond its expected life. What if we don't have the $350,000, $400,000, of however much replacement will cost in 8-12 years? What does an 18 year old artificial turf field look like? (18 years is 80 percent beyond the expected 10-year useful life of artificial turf.) What sort of liability issues would the district face for an older artificial turf field that is hard and unsafe? If we decide installing artificial turf was a mistake, how much will it cost to revert to a grass field? Grass fields do need to be replaced, but it is easier to coax a few more years out of a grass field than out of a artificial turf field. (www.redhenturf.com)

Does the cost of replacement include the cost of disposal of the artificial turf field? At disposal cost estimates as high as $2.25 per square foot, a 90,000 square foot field could cost $200,000 to dispose, even at today's rates. Currently, many land fills prohibit the disposal of car tires, but permit the disposal of crumb-rubber infill. (www.redhenturf.com) If landfills changed their policy on this, we might face even higher disposal costs.

How does Haldane plan to pay for the carpet replacement in 8-12 years? Do we really want to commit to spending $100,000 per year (amortized) for an artificial turf field? For much less than that we could replace a natural turf field every year (cost estimate: $35,000) AND do sod replacement every year for heaviest wear areas (cost estimate: $9,000 for between hash marks on football field). (www.redhenturf.com)

(B) Carbon Footprint

In 2006 the Athena Institute did a study to determine what a school would need to do to off-set the carbon footprint of an artificial turf field. The study estimated the greenhouse gases emitted during the life cycle of an artificial turf field as opposed to a natural grass surface. The study calculated the number of trees to be planted to achieve a 10-year carbon-neutral synthetic turf installation. The result: Approximately 1,861 coniferous trees would need to be planted and maintained. (“Estimating the Required Global Warming Offsets to Achieve a Carbon Neutral Synthetic Field Turf System Installation”, Athena Institute, 2006)

(C) Care/Protection

Please provide clarification on how the field will be available to the community. (PlayHaldane.com refers to the practice track as a community resource.) We are concerned about situations we have heard of where artificial turf fields are fenced and locked, but we are also concerned about the possibility of vandalism. (Unfortunately, recent damage to the new waterfront fences show that Cold Spring is not immune from vandalism.) A vandal with a razor blade or a can of paint could do an awful lot of damage.

Liquid spills such as Gatorade are also a problem. Mold can be problematic on artificial turf fields, and sugary drinks will increase mold growth. Chewing gum must be manually removed with solvents. Vomit and animal droppings require cleaning. (How many deer wander through the field?) Oil or fluids from a vehicle can stain the fibers. (www.redhenturf.com). What is an annoyance on grass could be an expensive problem for artificial turf.

Furthermore, anything that pokes into artificial turf (i.e., high-heeled shoes or folding chairs) push the fibers down into the carpet, requiring repair and voiding the warranty. (www.redhenturf.com)

(D) Allergies

Crumb-rubber contains latex, which is a known allergen. Approximately 6 percent of the population is allergic to latex (Fact Sheet), meaning there are probably 50-some students at Haldane who are allergic to latex. It is unknown whether crumb rubber can cause an allergic response in people. (Fact Sheet) Do we want to use our students as test subjects to find out? There have been cases of contact dermatitis from artificial turf fields, and it is unclear how many of our students will be sensitive to the latex or to other components of the field.

(E) Level of Increased Use

The reason often given why artificial turf is the only choice is because we only have one field and we don't have the luxury of letting it rest. What percentage increased use can we expect from artificial turf? The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation estimates that on an annual basis, permitted use (in hours per year) for synthetic turf fields is just 28% percent higher than for natural grass fields. (Fact Sheet) We would have expected more. Is this whole discussion about a 28 percent increase in field availability?

CONCLUSION:

Installing artificial turf is not prohibited by law. As a community, we can choose to do it. However, just because others are installing it doesn't make it the right choice for us. We are told that it is safe, but there are lots of very hazardous things in our world that were once considered safe. (Smoking cigarettes, DDT, lead in gasoline, and asbestos insulation, to name a few.) There is evidence that harm to wildlife occurs as levels lower than EPA guidelines. Even when a study concludes that something is “safe”, that doesn't mean there aren't risks associated with it. It means that whoever is making the call doesn't think the risks are high enough for you to worry about. Look at the data. Make your own decision.

We all want better fields. But there is a choice.

Many of us have kids at Haldane and it breaks our hearts to have to vote against a project that has been developed with so much effort and caring by our friends and neighbors. (The following percentages were calculated from the “How Will We Finance It?” section of the PlayHaldane.com website.) We want auditorium improvements (5% of project). We want a new locker room (9% of the project). We want new bleachers and foundation (6% of project) and fencing and gates (4% of project). But the installation of an artificial turf field and track, at a cost of $1,400,000 (73% of project), when there are so many valid concerns about artificial turf, is something we cannot support.

Prepared by Bonny Carmicino

Concerns

1. Toxins. Older artificial turfs contained lead. The newer stuff
isn't supposed to, but there isn't good research on the toxins that it
might contain. The crumb rubber in the new stuff contains polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons, which is a potential carcinogen. Also, it is
unclear what other components in the artificial turf may be found to be
harmful. No one knows the long-term effect.

2. Heat. Artificial turf gets really, really hot. It is recommended
to not schedule games during the hottest part of the day, but would that
be followed? When it is hot here, it is HOT. What sort of temperatures
would be anticipated, in an installation here in Cold Spring?
 
3. More injuries. There are more injuries on artificial turf,
particularly leg injuries. In the current sports climate, where ACL
tears are becoming shockingly common in high school kids, would
installation of artificial turf be setting our kids up for injuries?
 
4. End plan. Artificial turf is expected to last about ten years. What
happens then? Where will the funds come from to replace it? What will
the cost be to dispose of it? Will chemicals have leached into the
ground, causing clean-up costs?