Another look at the turf wars (click)

Here is an up to date overview of the synthetic vs real turf debate. Comments at the bottom are interesting. Read on

ABC World News Video Clip (click)

Believe it or not, the ABC World News called VAST for an interview last Thursday. Unfortunately, I wasn't available to take that call, otherwise it would have been Marlton on the news. In light of all the recent events that have led up to the CPSC investigation, I thought it would be pertinent to post this link, it runs 2 minutes.

One issue that remains a concern is that the crumb rubber used as infill has not been included in this study as a source of lead. So far, CPSC is only looking into the nylon fibers that were used in the old Astroturf product . It is urgent that they make sure they examine the whole product when checking for heavy metals, especially on product that is currently being installed.

Please write to the CPSC and let them know you would like the entire turf product examined, not just the fiber. Here is a link: http://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/info.aspx

Very well put together presentation (click)

Concerned San Franciscans have put together this absolutely wonderful presentation that should be mandatory reading for all public officials making decisions about installing synthetic turf. As Evesham's Mayor Randy Brown recently quoted in the Burlington County Times, “Safety is paramount”. So, I am very hopeful that he will make absolutely certain that the synthetic turf which is comprised of lead filled crumb rubber as the infill, is never considered for use here in Evesham because it poses very real health risks. We, the looney tree huggers, have the correct information regarding this controversial issue and have had it all along. Please take a few minutes to look over this very important presentation which has been laid out in a very readable format. Thank you.

FieldTurf hires lobbyists....scary

Here we go. Since all the health concerns regarding syn turf have become public and the legislators have taken action, now FieldTurf has decided to hire lobbyists. This should raise eyebrows more than anything has yet.

** Turf manufacturer hires lobbyist to bury NYC turf bill. SynTurf.org, Newton Mass. April 16, 2008. Citing the April 15, 2008, edition of Crain’s Insider (http://www.crainsnewyork.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=insider), Geoff Croft of New York Parks Advocate (http://nycparkadvocates.org) reports that FieldTurf, which has sold New York City 200 artificial turf fields, has hired lobbyist Claudia Wagner and public relations firm Widmeyer Communications to help bury a City Council bill to rip up $100 million worth of fields. Council members Eric Gioia, D-Queens, and Tish James, D-Brooklyn, say fields made with crumb rubber should be replaced because the product contains harmful substances. New Jersey-based FieldTurf says the fields are safe and cause fewer injuries than grass fields. It has been trotting out scientists and data to back up its position. The Bloomberg administration says the city's Health Department is studying the fields, adding that the bill is premature and lacks widespread support.

NJ Dep Health and Senior Services has concerns on syn turf

Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard has urged the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to investigate the artificial turf used on athletic fields, play areas and in homes, after New Jersey testing found high lead levels in selected samples of turf fibers.

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services tested 12 artificial turf fields at municipal parks and colleges, and found that two had lead levels eight to ten times above the state’s residential soil standard for cleanup of contaminated properties. DHSS also tested samples of turf marketed for residential use. Two samples had similarly high lead levels.


Click the title of this post to read the whole report

Jackson, NJ circumvents the Pinelands Commission

The soil samples that come back from Evesham's geotechnical survey should be examined closely. What will the Marl of the story be (ha ha), really isn't very funny is it? We all know there are pre-existing drainage problems in Marlton due to the clay (marl). Why would it drain better off of a impervious surface? Read on for more tales of woe ..............

More on the turf wars from ACP........

Another NJ town is considering syn turf. Hopefully Assemblyman Rooney's bill will be passed and our children's health and safety will become a priority. When will the discussion about the ecologically friendlier Mondoturf, begin?

An Environmental Issue not related to syn turf: (click)

Support from both sides of the aisle has finally arisen in regards to emissions from our automobiles. Both parties are calling for the EPA to set standards. It's about time, don't you think?

It's Not an April Fool's Joke

Here is another story, reiterating the concern we should all have about the safety of crumb rubber. It's just plain old common sense when you step back and look at this topic objectively. Safety is the ONLY priority we should really care about, isn't it?