District to revisit decision on turf fields for Analy, El Molino high schools

The district that oversees Analy and El Molino high schools will re-evaluate using more expensive infill made of cork and coconut for planned synthetic athletic fields at the schools, after a group of parents raised concerns about a similar substance made from recycled tires.

In November, the West Sonoma Union High School District board voted to replace the high schools’ grass fields with synthetic turf that uses a crumb rubber infill. The board finalized construction plans for an $8 million overhaul of both schools’ stadiums in December.

But this month, a small group of vocal parents began a campaign to halt the plans and seek revisions to the infill choice, with one west county parent suggesting the organic cork and coconut fiber infill.

After hearing objections to the rubber infill Wednesday night, the board agreed to review options next month for synthetic and grass fields, including benefits and downsides of each, costs, the impact on school and community use of the fields, and the possible delays to complete construction.

“We have not halted or otherwise changed the process of securing Division of State Architect approval for the project, which is now underway,” Superintendent Keller McDonald said.

The community began fundraising for the stadium renovations in 2006, and bond proceeds from the 2010 Measure I were earmarked for the projects. The state architect office has the final construction plans and must approve them before the district can get started.

“We may have to submit design or engineering specification changes if the board decides to change the type of field, infill or other aspects of the project,” McDonald said.

Parent Nell Hergenrather was heartened that the board listened to parents’ safety concerns.

“With the Laguna preserve at the edge of these fields and its habitat at risk, I would think that there are many proponents for a no-toxic solution to the playing field project,” she said.

Artificial turf fields have become a popular alternative to natural grass throughout Sonoma County, mirroring use nationwide. The advantages include less water use and reduced maintenance costs, all-weather use and no need for pesticides.

But concerns have been raised about potential chemical exposure from the crumb rubber infill commonly used as cushioning beneath the plastic grass-like turf. Crumb rubber typically comes from recycled tires, which contain potential carcinogens.

District officials said the board heard an in-depth presentation on infill choices and different field properties, including natural grass, in November before approving the crumb-rubber infill.

Some news reports have suggested a relationship between turf contact and cancers, based in part on anecdotal evidence of illnesses among young athletes, particularly goalkeepers. The Environmental Protection Agency has conducted limited studies on a potential causal relationship.

A peer-reviewed study in 2010 by the Connecticut Department of Health “did not find a large amount of vapor or particle release from the fields, confirming prior reports from Europe and the U.S.

“We put these exposures into a public health context by performing a risk assessment. Our risk assessment did not find elevated cancer risk,” the report concluded. The study was reviewed by the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering.

The school board will hear additional analysis at its March 4 meeting and is expected to give further direction to staff on the field choices.

You can reach Staff Writer Lori A. Carter at 521-5470 or lori.carter@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @loriacarter.