150 lbs of crumb rubber - equal to 5500 water bottles - escape fields annually

As we consider building an artificial turf field at MGRHS we need to think about our environmental responsibility. While much research has focussed on potential health impacts, we are just beginning to learn how infill materials affect our natural resources. Many organizations, particularly in Europe, are becoming increasingly concerned about the crumb rubber pellets that escape the field and end up in soils and water courses.

Recently the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has been investigating sources of microplastics. ECHA found that the risks arising from the intentional use of microplastics are not adequately controlled. They consider crumb rubber to be a source of "intentionally added microplastics" In 2018, after an investigation, they have proposed EU-wide restrictions aimed at reducing the release of 400,000 tones of micro-plastics in 20 years. Artificial turf fields could be affected by restrictive measures if these proposed restrictions are implemented. However, “neither ECHA nor the European Commission is proposing that these pitches should be closed,” the EU body has clarified. They are encouraging the use of alternative infill materials like cork, or coconut fibre. If approved, the restriction would be put in place in 2020.

As part of the public comment process for the proposed ban, the City of Stockholm noted: "One important source of microplastics in the environment is rubber granules. Therefore, the Environment and Health Department has made specific effort to reduce both the spreading of microplastics and also hazardous chemicals, by publishing a “Recommendation for loose granules used for synthetic turf pitches and poured in place rubber and mulch for playgrounds ...We further suggest that the precautionary principle should be advised, and that decision-makers should plan to minimise areas with loose granules."

Seas-at-Risk.org, a organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of the marine environment state that "the problem (of microplastic contamination) is likely to become more serious, since the use of artificial turf pitches is growing including in schools and other child-focused environments." (July 2019)

Norway (July 2018) is considering a proposal that includes :

• moving snow from the turf into designated areas so as not to unintentionally release microplastics into nearby fields;

• creating a physical barrier around the turf area;

• informing turf users of accidental spread of the granulate;

• and replacing microplastics (crumb rubber infill) with environmentally friendly alternatives.

Source: UN Environment

UN Environment is increasingly concerned about micro plastic pollution and recently posted this image of an artificial turf field and its impact on the environment. Photo (a) shows an artificial turf field with a curb flush with the top of field, and photo (b) microplastics washed from the field to nearby vegetation. This field design shown in these images is similar to that proposed for MGRHS, where there is no barrier to prevent the spread of crumb rubber to the surrounding area.

Fidra, an environmental charity working to reduce plastic waste and chemical pollution in the environment in the UK, notes that: "Across Europe, we estimate that about 10% (of the crumb rubber lost from fields) ends up down drains (~900-8000 tonnes of granule), while almost half is likely to build up in nearby soil and grass (8000-32500 tonnes per year). Field studies in the Netherlands found up to 70 kg (150 lbs) per year entering nearby water courses from a single pitch." 70 kg of crumb rubber is equivalent to about 5500 plastic water bottles. Note: a water bottle weight about 12.8 gms.

Fidra also notes that these fields can leach chemicals into the environment over time. "Studies show that zinc, in particular, might be leaching out from fields in quantities that could harm the environment." Zinc is harmful to aquatic life.

Fidra has published guidelines for artificial pitch designers, owners and users to minimize the environmental impact of artificial turf. Below is an image of best practice design that includes a asphalt apron to direct crumb rubber infill to the drainage ditch (A), a raised barrier to prevent pellets from leaving the site (B) and a solid fence to further contain the pellets (C).

The United States hasn't yet tackled this issue. According to TURI (Toxic Use Reduction Institute at UMass) in 2018: "Little or no research has been conducted on ways in which dust and broken particles from artificial turf fields may contribute to microplastic pollution in the environment. ... To the extent that particles migrate off the original field site and enter water resources, there could be concerns about whether sedimentary organisms could incorporate these materials and whether they could enter the food chain in this way. "

With so many organizations, warning us of the detrimental effects of microplastics and the contribution of artificial fields to this problem, we should consider carefully the decision to build an artificial turf field at MGRHS. At a minimum, field design and operating practices should strive to reduce environmental impact.