CT Mirror: Additional knowledge sought about using recycled tires for fields

Canton built a new athletic complex with an artificial turf field that opened in November 2014.

For nearly two years, the town of Avon has been investigating the possibility of building a new artificial turf field. The town hired an architectural firm to draw up a proposal construct a new sports facility at the former M.H. Rhodes Company on Thompson Brook Road, near the bike trail.

A proposal has been developed to renovate the athletic complex at Avon High including the installation of an artificial turf field. The Board of Education held a public meeting in December on the proposal for Avon High.

A story released today by the Connecticut Mirror looks at concerns about the fill used to construct these artificial turf fields. Bits of recycled tires, commonly known as crumb fill, is attracting additional attention.

In California, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) are assisting with a study of crumb fill fields with the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.

Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal has asked President Obama for a federal study about potential health risks with the use of crumb fill for fields and playgrounds. On Friday, the Obama administration said there would be a multi-agency study about the potential health risks of using crumb fill for fields and playgrounds. The EPA, CPSC, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry will work collaboratively on the study. Blumenthal praised the announcement of the study.

Some schools in Connecticut haven’t used recycled tires for fill on their artificial turf fields. They’ve use other types of fill. Go to the Connecticut Mirror for the story in full detail.

Timeline

December 2015: Board of Education hears proposal to upgrade athletic facilities at Avon High

June 2015: Town Council hears $3.21 million proposal to upgrade athletic facilities at Avon High by rebuilding tack and installing two synthetic turf fields.

April 2015: Subcommittee of the Recreation and Park committee recommend $3.21 million proposal to upgrade athletic facilities at Avon High by rebuilding tack and installing two synthetic turf fields.

November 2014: Architect provides town with two proposals for athletic complex on 15.25 acre parcel on Thompson Brook Road at site of former M.H. Rhodes Company, adjacent to the bike trail. Town Council asks for estimates for similar complex at the high school.

February 2014: Town Council unanimously votes to spend $40,000 for an architect to draw up plans to build a synthetic turf field and recreation complex on Thompson Brook Road

November 2013: Seventy people attend Avon Student Athletic Park Steering Committee meeting