South Windsor has decided, at least for now, against proceeding with a project to install an artificial turf field at the high school.
South Windsor has decided, at least for now, against proceeding with a project to install an artificial turf field at the high school.
The town council opted on Monday night not to send proposal to the town’s Planning & Zoning Commission. Council members said they want more information about the field before deciding whether to allow the project to advance.
The town is considering redoing the school’s stadium field at a cost of $1.5 million. Part of that cost would include a new artificial turf field.
“I think this kind of field is something that could be dangerous to us,” said South Windsor resident Mike Burgess.
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Town leaders said the investigation was prompted by an NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters investigation that examined carcinogens found in the rubber used in some turf playing fields.
The concern stems from crumb rubber, the little black pellets used as infill on turf fields. Most crumb rubber comes from ground up tires.
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“Turf has come up with some health issues. Now we know there are types of turf that are better than others,” said Cindy Beaulieu, of South Windsor.
The project planners tried to reassure parents and players at Monday night's meeting.
They pointed to studies that show playing on turf fields and breathing in the air does not lead to an increased cancer risk.
“That means you stand just a great of chance of being diagnosed with cancer playing on a grass field, playing on a synthetic turf field,” explained Scott Bristol, an environmental associate at Milone & MacBroom.
