Some key advancements in sports facilities are in the area of synthetic turf. The following is a synopsis of some of those changes, as compiled by the American Sports Builders Association and recorded in its publication, Sports Fields: Construction and Maintenance Manual.
ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS
In April, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a multi-agency research report on synthetic turf sports fields that use crumb rubber infill. The findings showed no significant difference in the exposure to certain chemicals between players who played on synthetic turf fields that used crumb rubber infill and those who played on natural grass fields. In making its report, the EPA also cited three independent studies regarding synthetic turf fields or system components.
- Netherlands National Institute for Health and Environment wrote that the “risk to health from playing sports on these synthetic turf fields is virtually negligible.”
- European Chemicals Agency found “no reason to advise people against playing sports on synthetic turf containing recycled rubber granules as infill material.”
- National Toxicology Program found there “was no evidence of toxicity in mice from ingestion of crumb rubber.”
Full information on the study, including a breakdown of all findings, can be accessed on the EPA’s website, www.epa.gov. Another resource is the Synthetic Turf Council, www.syntheticturfcouncil.org.
The synthetic turf industry has also developed other infills as alternatives to crumb rubber, including shoe rubber, coconut fiber, quartz core infill, coated SBR crumb rubber and others. Field contractors can provide more information on these systems.
PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been an issue of concern in the health and environmental sector. While PFAS is often brought up in conjunction with synthetic turf, it is worth noting that the compounds that have been identified as “PFAS of concern” have never been used in the production of synthetic turf (and that additionally, there is no standardized test that can measure individual PFAS in turf).
In the past, fluoropolymer processing aids were used in producing some turf fibers; however, U.S. manufacturers have committed to not adding PFAS in turf any longer as of this year.
RECYCLING, RECLAMATION AND REUSE
For a long time, one of the most worrisome aspects of synthetic fields was their finite lifespan; unlike a natural grass venue, they can’t be brought back to game-ready condition. As a result, disposal of a used field meant the unpleasant prospect of a great deal of material going into landfills. There have, however, emerged several options for those who want to be more eco-conscious.
- The full recycling of turf (known as a circular system) – meaning the recycling of all turf components – was previously found only in Europe, but is now appearing in the United States. While the process is not as straightforward as the recycling of a soda can or a water bottle, it does provide a viable alternative to landfill use.
In the process of full recycling, a turf-specific recycling company will gather field surfaces that have come to the end of their useful life and move them to a factory for shredding. The shredded materials then move to another place for further reprocessing, then transferred to an advanced recycling facility where they are broken down into raw materials that can be used to make new products that have quality and performance identical to those of virgin raw materials.
Despite the desire of many field owners to have a more eco-friendly ending for their turf, the ultimate question of whether full turf recycling will catch on in the U.S. will depend on a number of factors: cost (since, unfortunately, it is less expensive to dispose of materials at a landfill than it is to recycle them), local availability (trucking fees can be expensive if material needs to be transported long distances), consumer awareness of the technology, and demand for the products made from the recycled materials. The fact that the option to recycle turf exists, however, is a boon for the industry, and can be viewed as an inducement to those who have been on the fence about installation of a synthetic field because of the ecological ramifications.
- Reuse of turf is possible as well. Specialty retailers work with contractors to accept used turf and resell it, either whole or in remnants of various sizes, for use in other installations.
- Reuse of components. Turf fields are made up of multiple parts, and in many cases those parts can be reused in new installations. For example, specialty contractors will extract the infill from a system and reuse it in a new field. If the base of the field, drainage system and/or shock pad are in good shape, those may be able to remain in place for a new field, providing some cost savings for the owner. Other examples of component reuse include reclaimed turf being recompounded into mixed plastic polymers for use as an infill, flooring, field underlayment, plastic lumber, injection and compression molded parts.
- Water-saving features have gained attention in synthetic fields. Greywater is water that drains from sinks, washing machines and showers. Greywater is less clean than fresh water but certainly nowhere near as dirty as sewage. Many of today’s synthetic systems, which need regular irrigation for cooling, use greywater rather than using water straight from the tap. The act of passing through synthetic turf and infill actually filters the greywater and makes it cleaner. Additionally, water used for irrigation can be stored and reused as needed.
Field owners who are seeking information on installing a new field – natural or synthetic – are advised to speak with experienced sports field contractors local to their area. A professional in the region will have experience with all environmental aspects, such as weather, geography and soil, as well as permitting and regulatory issues that will come into play during decision making. The individual chosen also should be able to discuss the needs of the landowner, and to help them come to a decision – taking into consideration the budget, maintenance capabilities, the amount of use the field will get, the seasons it will be in use, and any extramural events it can be expected to host.
The more you and your construction partner communicate, the better the chance for a finished facility that meets your needs and those of your athletes.
Mary Helen Sprecher wrote this article on behalf of the American Sports Builders Association (ASBA). For additional information, see Sports Fields: Construction and Maintenance Manual (available at sportsbuilders.org).
