In 2006, the Athena Institute conducted a study researching how much a school would need to do in order to offset the carbon footprint of an artificial field. The purpose of the study was to estimate the greenhouse gases emitted during the life cycle of an artificial turf field as opposed to a natural grass surface. The study determined the number of trees to be planted to achieve a 10-year carbon neutral synthetic turf installation. The result was that 1,861 (+23%) coniferous trees would be needed to be planted as a carbon offset.
The Environmental Sustainability Board has been unusually quiet about artificial turf. At a recent commission meeting, Commission Liaison to the ESB and President Elect Linfante assured residents that the ESB is on board with plans for artificial turf. However, when I asked ESB members, Kathleen A. Habrovsky and Andrew Baram, prior to their Pay As You Throw presentation, both were opposed to the idea of artificial turf. Kathy said that it came up over a year ago at an ESB meeting, but were told that it was not an issue since there was no funding for artificial turf. I have not looked through the newly posted ESB Minutes for confirmation. Thank you, Susan Morgans, for finally posting them.
Another silent environmental group is The Mt. Lebanon Environmental Team. "The Environmental Team is a group of local Mt. Lebanon (Pennsylvania) citizen volunteers devoted to improving the environment by working with residents, elected officials, institutions, businesses and the Mt. Lebanon Environmental Sustainability Board. The team is dedicated to responding to the global and local economic, social and environmental challenges associated with energy demand and human contributions to climate change and to improve the effects of these changes on our community and neighbors." A link to their website, lebogreen.org, can also be found on the Municipal website. [That will be the day when Lebo Citizens, another blog and website started and maintained without a single tax dollar by this volunteer, will get a link on the Municipal website!] From an email:
Another silent environmental group is The Mt. Lebanon Environmental Team. "The Environmental Team is a group of local Mt. Lebanon (Pennsylvania) citizen volunteers devoted to improving the environment by working with residents, elected officials, institutions, businesses and the Mt. Lebanon Environmental Sustainability Board. The team is dedicated to responding to the global and local economic, social and environmental challenges associated with energy demand and human contributions to climate change and to improve the effects of these changes on our community and neighbors." A link to their website, lebogreen.org, can also be found on the Municipal website. [That will be the day when Lebo Citizens, another blog and website started and maintained without a single tax dollar by this volunteer, will get a link on the Municipal website!] From an email:
From: Kristen Linfante <klinfante@mtlebanon.org>
To: egillen476 <egillen476@aol.com>
Cc: Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Subject: Re: Lebo Green
Date: Tue, Oct 15, 2013 2:36 pm
Not a single tax dollar goes to the Environmental Team or their website. It is a completely volunteer group. One of their members created the site and manages it. This group is not affiliated with the municipality or the SD.
Kristen Linfante
Commissioner, Ward 3
(412)561 -27 90
It is not clear to me why the ESB and the ET are not saying anything about artificial turf. A June 28, 2010 presentation by the ESB outlined their goals, which included Municipal and School Buildings Energy Conservation, initiating a Pay As You Throw program, and establishing No Idling Zones. (How's that working for you?) Future goals include Monitoring and Verifying Results. I wonder what their take is on Go Zones. Come to think of it, they're pretty quiet about that too. Maybe counting garbage cans has become too time consuming to comment on artificial turf and idling in No Idling Zones.
31 comments:
Here are a couple of ideas for saving money and redycing the municipalities carbob footprint that the ESB/ET could evaluate.
Lebo now has two SUVs and apparently a Club Cab truck. Could the community be saving money that would be better spent on officer salaries and pensions while saving the environment.
It seems like a better investment in ESB/ET time advising/researching than putting up 'No Idling Signs' that nearly everyone ignores.
Something new on police vehicles.
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1087038_even-police-cars-can-get-30-mpg-now-non-pursuit-highway-cycle
"Ford says the smaller engine will save police departments $5,040 in fuel costs over three years, assuming 30,000 miles driven each year (often common for police fleet cars) and gas prices of $3.65 a gallon."
http://m.lawofficer.com/article/patrol/new
"Ultimately, hybrids were ruled out due to concerns with long-term maintenance, and the Passat’s high-fuel-mileage estimates were very attractive and competitive compared to hybrids, Eads says. In fact, during testing on the nearby historic Natchez Trace Parkway, Eads says they drove a slick-top version of the Passat on a 248-mile trip, achieving an astounding 54.486 mpg. A follow-up test with another Passat using a Whelen Justice 44-inch LED light bar yielded a still-amazing 50 mpg. Clearly, the fuel economy advantages of using the diesel platform are evident.
I can attest to the fuel mileage: The Passat TDI I recently drove registered in the 40-plus mpg range. The estimated maintenance cost of the Passat is projected to be comparable to BMPD’s actual maintenance figures on the department’s Chargers (2007–2010) in the areas of tires, brakes and oil."
"BMPD found that the biggest advantages of the Passat are fuel economy, environmentally friendly emissions, safety features, cost of the vehicle and exceptional maneuverability.
“The turning radius is unbelievable,” says Eads, which will result in time saved turning around the vehicle quickly. One of the Belle Meade officers told me: “I’d gladly give up 100 hp to be able to turn around on a dime.”BMPD found that the biggest advantages of the Passat are fuel economy, environmentally friendly emissions, safety features, cost of the vehicle and exceptional maneuverability. [Maneuverability would seem to make sense on our Lebo residential streets]
“The turning radius is unbelievable,” says Eads, which will result in time saved turning around the vehicle quickly. One of the Belle Meade officers told me: “I’d gladly give up 100 hp to be able to turn around on a dime.”
Of course our Chief knows best concering his department's needs. But isn't the ESB's primary duty to offer advice to our municipality departments?
My old pappy told me to pay no attention to what someone says, but strict attention to what he does. The Environmental Sustainability Board and The Mt. Lebanon Environmental Team are political organizations...period. They can say what they want, but their collectve aims are to increase the size of government..a little to the left, a little more to the left, a little bit more to the left...
The reality is that the ESB needs to double the number of trees...TWO fields.
Who should I believe? The turf grass farm who made the environmental claims you cited? Or should I believe the artificial turf manufacturers?:
A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO THE ENVIRONMENT
When it comes to carbon footprints, there’s simply no comparison between natural grass and FieldTurf fields. By choosing FieldTurf, you’re becoming part of an environmental movement that not only saves clean drinking water, but also:
- Eliminates impact on water resources, saving billions of gallons of water each year
- Eliminates the use of billions of pounds of chemicals
- Removes millions of tires from landfill sites each year
- Significantly lowers the use of natural gas and other fossil fuels
- Eliminates fuel-powered mowing, aerating, and re-seeding
- Eliminates grass clippings
Can contribute toward numerous Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits
Src: http://www.fieldturf.com/en/artificial-turf/environmental-leadership
The environmental impact of artificial turf vs. turf grass is essentially a wash. As such, environmental groups have little to say about it. The concept that any lawn is environmentally sound is a laugh though. This is an excellent book on the topic.
Then why the distinction between eco-friendly turf and regular artificial turf?
Elaine
Natural grass decomposes. Artificial grass lasts forever in landfills, unless it is eco-friendly turf. The ESB mantra is keep stuff out of landfills. Fake grass is OK every eight years ?
Perhaps the ESB needs to get involved and inform us which is accurate, 3:55!
Column: Examining Artificial Turf’s Environmental Issues
http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2013/jan/02/column-examining-artificial-turfs-environmental-is/
Pay close attention to the cautionary warning at the end of this document, 3:55.
http://cssd.ucr.edu/Seminars/PDFs/Artificial%20Turf.pdf
President Linfante, why oh why is the Environmental Team site promoted on a Muni web page ?
ESB/ET - how many 40 gallon trash cans will an artificial turfed field fill at the end of its useful life?
Does it go to a landfill or is it recycled?
Where is the ESB/ET on the asbestos found in the auditorium of the high school?
According to the district, only TWO parents have voiced concerns over asbestos in the building. Mt. Lebanon High School Renovation Will Also Remove Asbestos
Elaine
Isn't it funny that in the latest Lebomag.com poll of which Lebo projects we'd like finished-- turf doesn't have a single vote so far.
While there are only twelves votes counted so far, is it possible to make some earlier conclusions?
1. Turfing isn't a pressing concern
2. Turf supporters don't much care what people think, as long as it doesn't interfere with their turfing plans.
I suspect there will be a rash of votes for turfing now that the cat has been let out of the bag on Elaine's blog. You know the one that only 5 or 6 wing nuts read. Tsk, tsk.
6:26PM,
You assumed that the people who wanted to vote were able to vote.
Darn! I was watching that poll and thought the same thing! The usual amount of votes is around 14. That is pretty sad since there are around 20 volunteer bloggers, devoted family members of PIOs, as well as municipal staff, who should be good for votes.
I voted for the hotel since it will be generating tax revenue, if it ever opens.
Elaine
Well we could declare as people do often on your blog that the majority has spoken. Turf isn't important here.
Always remember the following re: the turf project:
* The sports organizations must deposit $250,000.00 into a Municipal account before the project can start in any form.
* The Municipal contribution is capped at $750,000.00.
Nice round numbers that are easy to remember.
You know all of this discussion about turf, trees and police cars that run on fumes is interesting but we shouldn't let our eyes get larger than our wallets until all of the lawsuits up there get resolved.
Tomorrow is going to be a really exciting day! I can't wait!
In fact, I think that I am going to brew some popcorn, grab a can of Pepsi and appear to watch.
Maybe the PIO of either the SD or for the municipality could have the hearing digitized and broadcast over Mt Lebanon TV? It would be a great civics lesson for all of proletariat who don't practice law...
... - and oh yes, Susan, if things don't go well over the next few months then you can stand over by the meat counter at the Giant Eagle Market District with me and all of the other Catholics who just won't measure-up to join the Country Club. Need I say more?
Hilarious, absolutely hilarious!!!!
Just a few short hours after being mentioned here, the participation on the Lebomag.com poll has nearly doubled and the vote for turf has actually tripled.
Putting to rest the assertion that only 5-6 people read the Lebocitizens blog. Apparently, at least 3 readers are turf proponents.
Thqt isjust too funny.
There's no tree ordinance.
There's no idling ordinance.
There's no Go Zone ordinance.
All of these missions fail because they aren't on the books. The municipality pacifies its citizens by creating these boards and "cooperative agreements" that never actualize into anything.
The ESB needs strong conviction, leadership, persistence and solid planning.
Oh yes, and the capacity to voice an opinion when it is needed -- like right now!
As of 7:30am this morning (3 Jan 14) there were a total of 25 votes on the Lebomag.com poll, of which 12 were in favor of the Marriott project, and 4 were in favor of turf. In all fairness, 25 votes out of a municipal population of 33,176+ residents is hardly conclusive, and almost any on-line poll (including the ones on this Blog) is not scientific. Still, given the total numbers shown on the poll one has to wonder about how much traffic Lebomag.com actually generates.
RG, five votes now for turf. Three commissioners, one recreation manager, and a SAB/PAB member. Once they get to work and vote, the numbers should double.
I sense an eblast is in the works by a certain SAB/PAB member.
Elaine
It will go the same way as the high school project. Perimeter trees will count and parking will not meet code.
Richard the inference that the poll represented the community's opinion was tongue-in-cheek, of course.
Still that does not negate the fact that for 2 or 3 days the poll had zero votes for turf and less than 24 hours after its mentioned on Elaine's blog 9 appear.
Pretty good influence from a blog that only 5 or 6 wingnuts read, eh Ms. Morgans!
Considering that very few of the Lebomag submissions generate more than zero responses, perhaps its time to put Elaine on as a full-time, highly paid columnist for the community magazine.
She seems to be able to reach people, plus the magazine could use a fresh perspective.
Its getting a little stale and boring in its content.
This is slightly off topic, but in keeping with the environmental slant of this post. It's going to be minus 10 degrees for the high temp of the day at the beginning of next week in Chicago. That's some of the coldest air in the city's history. How do all of the liberal global warming theory proponents explain this?
This municipality and all its governmental functions are an absolute joke, which is being played on 99% of us.
2:25 pm. If you understand statistics, you can't look at a week of weather in Chicago to confirm or deny the existence of global warming. Even without global warming concerns, if you choose to deny its existence, do you deny the impact of cutting down trees or of bad air quality due to environmental contaminants?
2:46 I agree with you. It doesn't take long to figure out how this place works (or doesn't work) if you are paying attention.
Isn't it just lovely that the $113 million high school project and the $4 million pool project got a total of ten votes? The only project that has not started and could save Mt. Lebanon got a whopping one vote.
Nice work, Turfettes! Glad to see that there is overwhelming support for Davex3, John, and Kristen's plan. Also, the PIO will come back from their day in court with a smile on their faces, knowing that people are reading lebomag.
Elaine
Still off topic, but two articles that you should find entertaining 2:25 and 3:15 make you curious.
No one denies the climate changes from time to time going throught periods of intensive warm and cold spells.
The question is what impact a few cars idling plays in the scheme of things.
There's nothing wrong with efficiency, frugality and conservation, lets just make sure those efforts make sense.
Why spend several thousand dollars of municipal money installing No Idling signs very few people pay attention too.
Or buying textbooks with flawed "hockey stick" science.
Today, we may be replacing a natural grass field with artificial turf and the juries still out on which is better for the environment and the health of our kids.
That is what is important and what in my opinion the ESB should be intently investigating before we spend a million dollars.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamestaylor/2011/03/02/global-warming-alarmists-flip-flop-on-snowfall/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2531159/Antarctic-crew-build-ice-helipad-help-rescuers.html
http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2013/11/son-of-bitch.html?showComment=1385410029459#c6862343696667398615
3:15 you wrote: "2:25 pm. If you understand statistics, you can't look at a week of weather in Chicago to confirm or deny the existence of global warming. Even without global warming concerns, if you choose to deny its existence,..."
But, what happens when statistics lead to wrong conclusions?
In the Forbes article submitted by 5:25 it offers:
"While I believe the weight of scientific evidence favors Coleman and D’Aleo, the larger importance of the UCS press conference is not whether global warming causes – in effect – more winter, but what the press conference illustrated about the alarmists’ oft-repeated assertions that “the science is settled” and “the debate is over.”
The IPCC Third Assessment Report was as straightforward as one can get asserting that global warming would cause a decline in heavy snow events. As the Senate chairman would say, while waving the IPCC report, “We have it….” But now that real-world evidence has proven IPCC wrong, the alarmists have pulled an about-face and are claiming global warming is causing more frequent heavy snow events.
Regardless of whether global warming is causing more heavy snow events, the alarmists’ about-face on snowfall calls to mind other alarmist global warming assertions that were supposedly “settled science”, but that were subsequently refuted by real-world climate conditions. The alarmists used to claim global warming was causing more hurricanes, but real-world data show hurricanes have fallen to historically lows levels."
In the other article, the climate scientist recently rescued from the stranded ship in the Antartic were on a mission to study receeding ice. Their statistics got them into a potentially life threatening situation
Now I'm not arguing for or against global warming or conservation, just making a case for not rushing into alarmist, knee-jerk, feel good behaviors or initiatives.
Take turf. We have two opposing opinions, one saying its safe for the environment and kids, one saying its not. I believe 'our' jury should still be out on the issue. Fix up Brafferton, start on Fraasch's Robb Hollow clean up/park and dump McNeilly.
File this under 'Things that make you go hmmmm?!'
In Lebomag.com's latest poll with the number of participants rising rapidly after the discussion here a couple of items need to be discussed. After all this poll is being conducted by THE official community magazine., so let us analyze the results so far.
The T stop development project has to date exactly one vote. One lousy stinking vote, even though on the same web page Commissioner Linfante writes about how we must press on with it. Apparently commissioner you need to get in sync with your constituents more.
Then there is that constant bugaboo-- turf. With the millions spent on buying land for athletic spaces and the constant influence of certain vocal individuals to turf something... anything, one would think this would be #1 on the hit parade of projects.
Its not commissioners, Mr. Feller, Mr. Donnellan, Ms. Morgans. Do you not believe your own poll?
How synthetic turf surfaces contribute to climate change
Each synthetic turf surface:
1. Creates “heat island” effect: Synthetic turf and surfaces undesirably absorb, retain and
emanate heat at temperatures and rates that are harmful to the environment.
2. Generates carbon dioxide et al: The manufacturing, installation, service and disposal of a 2-acre artificial turf field facility are responsible for the generation of a total of 55.6 tons of carbon dioxide, in addition to other greenhouse gases and pollutants.
3. Increases carbon footprint: Removes natural grass surfaces which eliminate the ability of that surface to reduce carbon dioxide by converting it into oxygen.
4. Contributes hydro carbon off gassing that puts bad stuff in our lungs: The thermodynamics of the turf in winter and summer conditions accelerates the breakdown of the
synthetic grass fibers and rubber crumb into dust particles, which easily can be inhaled or ingested by children. Artificial turf releases more greenhouse gases in its production, transportation and processing than the maintenance of natural turf ever could.
5. Increases reliance on dirty fossil fuels: The production process for artificial turf is for the most part fueled by fossil fuels, as is its installation, after-sale maintenance and eventual disposal protocols.
6. Makes a hazardous waste cocktail:

Hazardous materials include ingredients in the
polyethylene/polypropylene blades, the crumb rubber infill, and ingredients in maintenance
products like disinfectants, anti-static cling treatments, and solvents for seam repair. Recycled
crumb rubber contains a number of chemicals that are known or suspected to cause adverse
health effects. The most common types of synthetic rubber used in tires are composed of
ethylene-propylene and styrene-butadiene combined with vulcanizing agents, fillers,
plasticizers, and antioxidants in different quantities, depending on the manufacturer. Tire
rubber contains metals (zinc, selenium, lead, and cadmium), phthalates, polyaromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
7. Degrades water quality: Increases stormwater runoff while degrading the quality of the water entering our storm drains and streams. Synthetic surface pollutant runoff in the form of
rubber granules directly into storm and sewer drains, rivers and other bodies of water, and as seepage (as leachate) into ground and/or ground water and wells. Natural grass absorbs carbon dioxide, produces a cooling effect, and filters rain & storm water.
8. Ends up in a landfill: One artificial turf field contains approximately 120 tons of crumb rubber or 26,000 recycled tires. Typically, when a synthetic field is replaced, the old field is sent to a landfill. There are no real disposal issues with grass fields.
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