Commissioner Franklin has Susan's ear UPDATED 2X

I see that Susan Morgans has written a piece on the fundraising efforts for turfing Middle and Wildcat Fields. field fundraising under way appears under the article about celebrating Earth on lebomag.com

Thank you, Susan, for mentioning those few words about environmental concerns, specifically

The proposal was controversial, with some residents opposed because of the approximately $1 million price tag and others citing health or environmental concerns.

For those readers who would like to hear a little more about health or environmental concerns, please read my January 13, 2014 post, "Whoa," says the EPA. UPDATED

It is wonderful how Commissioner Franklin is asking for help with fundraising efforts through our municipal magazine. Fundraising efforts will go toward the non-municipal share of this project. Nice.

Update February 26, 2014 3:13 PM Just got my mtl Magazine delivered. This article is on pages 23-24.

Update February 27 7:29 AM Don't miss the article, magazine changes on page 19 of mtl Magazine.

Environmental Sustainability Board's statement to the Commission concerning artificial turf

As I had vowed at the February 11, 2014 Commission meeting, I will do everything in my power to warn parents about how municipal and school district tax dollars will be used to fund and maintain artificial turf, let alone to allow healthy and active kids play on these toxic fields without warning.

Below is the official statement from the Environmental Sustainability Board read at the February 11, 2014 Commission Discussion Session by ESB member Maria Joseph. Video is here.

To the Mt. Lebanon Commission -

It is our understanding that the Sports Advisory Board (SAB) of Mt. Lebanon will be presenting their project proposal for installing artificial turf on the Middle and Wildcat Fields of Mt. Lebanon Park at this evening's discussion meeting.

As an integral entity within the township, our mission as a board supports the overall mission and comprehensive plan of Mt. Lebanon, and specifically its goal of promoting environmental sustainability in projects going forward.

The Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB) would like to officially make a statement as to our opinion on this matter. We would also like to note that the ESB was misrepresented at an earlier Commission meeting, in which our then liaison stated the ESB was in favor of installation of artificial turf in Mt. Lebanon – to be clear we are not in favor of artificial turf.

As a board, we feel that the installation of artificial turf, especially turf which uses plastic and rubber materials, is counter to our mission and the overall mission of the township. Our concerns stem from reports, both scientific and anecdotal. We believe that the health of the young children who will play on this material, as well as the surrounding ecological system, may be at irreparable risk.

While studies have only been performed on adult athletes, additional studies have been ordered by the EPA to determine health effects of artificial turf on children, since children are more susceptible to toxins due to their higher metabolism and the fact that they are lower to the ground.

Some of our environmental concerns have to do with storm water runoff from artificial turf which has been shown to contain enough zinc to negatively affect water ecosystems. This should be of great concern with Painters Run creek nearby. Potable water may be wasted due to the watering of the fields to decrease the heat to an acceptable level for play, and subsequently, that watering will increase storm water runoff which is a critical regional issue.

We ask that the Commission and the SAB take time to think further on this project, as well as educate the residents of Mt. Lebanon on this project to allow for a wider understanding and opportunity for comment. As residents ourselves, many of us are concerned for our neighbors living near the park where this turf is to be installed. Are they aware of possible noxious fumes emanating from the newly laid artificial turf? Are they aware of the potential for “Heat Island” effect, not only for those playing directly on the turf, but for nearby residences which can see increased temperatures as a result? Have the residents of Cedar Blvd., Cedar Lane, Mayfair and Vee Lynn drives been notified of this project?

As a board whose mission it is to support environmentally sustainable practices in this township, we ask that you seriously reconsider the installation of artificial turf on these and any other fields in Mt. Lebanon. However, in the event that this project continues forward, we strongly suggest the use of organic turf materials for these fields. While this option may be less used in communities throughout the United States, we believe that this would be an excellent way for the township to shine above other neighboring communities and be a leader in sustainable efforts. As it is, both materials would have to be replaced after a number of years. Why not use organic turf materials as an experiment to further
sustainable practices in the township, and minimize the potential health and environmental risks in the long run.

We thank you for your time and further consideration on this matter.

Sincerely,

The Environmental Sustainability Board of Mt. Lebanon

Update February 15, 2014 12:49 PM Post Gazette Artificial turf could come to Mt. Lebanon fields

Oh snap SAB! UPDATED

As I mentioned in a previous post, the Sports Advisory Board (SAB) gave their report on the artificial turf project for Middle and Wildcat Fields last night. David Donnellan was kind enough to email a copy of the presentation.

The videos have been uploaded on the municipal website.

• Part 1 of the Discussion Session
• Commission Meeting
• Part 2 of the Discussion Session

I thoroughly enjoyed last night's Discussion Session Part 1, specifically when the Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB) made their official statement concerning artificial turf. Since members of the ESB were in the audience, Kelly Fraasch asked if they could hear from the ESB. See 38:57 time stamp. At 39:10, Dave Brumfield declared that they got the ESB's recommendation. At 39:16, you can hear from a member of the ESB say, "No you didn't."

At 40:40, Maria Joseph made an official statement. She started out by saying that the ESB was misrepresented by the Commission liaison. Kristen interrupted Ms. Joseph to say that it wasn't true. 

Ms. Joseph included the fact that residents on neighboring streets were never notified of the potential risks. At 46:05, Kristen continued to defend herself.

Dave Franklin stated that the fields will not be irrigated because we don't have enough hot days to warrant irrigation. (Remember how the pool pump went down on 100º days?) He also challenged the ESB saying that they were alerted to this plan. He said that the minutes show that turf has been discussed at the last three or four ESB meetings. Decide for yourself if that is true. ESB minutes

Kelly Fraasch asked why residents in her ward were never notified about turf going on Middle and Wildcat Fields. Dave Brumfield jumped on Kelly saying that they have NEVER notified neighbors about projects. Kelly asked, "What about Brafferton?" Dave said that he only asked them a question. Here is a question for Dave. What about dogs being allowed in Williamsburg? I seem to remember him having a meeting in Williamsburg Park to discuss the subject. 

I loved how Kathy Hrabovsky told Dave Brumfield, "Sorry, but you are interrupting." The Daves and Kristen looked REALLY bad. Finally, Kristen said that there were five elected officials here who are responsible for making decisions. Ultimately, it is their decision. It is three Commissioners' decision to turf those fields because they saw no other option. She said that there was simply no place to put grass fields. Uh, what about Robb Hollow? Kelly had plans for TWO FIELDS.  What happened to improving Brafferton? Kristen said that they had no choice. She also pointed out that the new commission liaison (Kelly Fraasch) to the ESB happens to be against turf. What is Kristen insinuating? 

One other thing that I would like to point out that transpired during the SAB presentation. Dan Deiseroth, municipal engineer from Gateway and also first donor, but now anonymous, had a meeting with the Mt. Lebanon Community Endowment. I couldn't believe it when I heard it.  Go to 12:09 of Part 1 of the Discussion Session. That just doesn't feel right to me.

Finally, once again, I want to thank the Mt. Lebanon Environmental Sustainability Board for their official statement.

Update February 15, 2014 11:08 AM Here is the ESB statement that was read at the February 11 Commission discussion meeting.  

My message to the Commission

I delivered this message during Citizens Comments at the February 11, 2014 Commission meeting:

I have some handouts, but only enough for Commissioners Linfante, Bendel, and Brumfield. I passed out 3 different cigarette ads, but all 3 are required by law to print a warning from the Surgeon General.

Surgeon General's Warning lower left corner

I believe there are nine different warnings to pick from. These warnings must be on every pack of cigarettes and every cigarette advertisement. Commissioners Bendel, Linfante, and Brumfield, are there warnings from the Surgeon General on your ads?

Why am I passing these ads out to you? Mt. Lebanon is getting artificial turf, no matter what. You three have made it happen. In fact, it was stated on my Lebo Citizens blog yesterday that Commissioner Bendel will be hailed as a hero when this turf goes up. Not if the Sports Advisory Board can raise the funds. When. I have spoken to parents of four different field sports here in Mt. Lebanon. They had no idea about the EPA's warnings regarding artificial turf and NONE of them had heard of your plans to artificially turf Middle and Wildcat Fields. Needless to say, they are quite concerned. 

At a previous commission meeting, I printed out the webpage from the EPA, listing these warnings. I also stood here and talked about these warnings. I believe it is your duty to convey these EPA warnings to all parents of children who will be playing on these toxic fields. In fact, it should be required and disclosed on all registration forms for youth field sports. 

I am just ill thinking about how my municipal and school district tax dollars will be used to fund and maintain artificial turf, let alone to allow healthy and active kids play on these toxic fields. I want to be able to sleep at night, knowing that I have done everything in my power to get that message out to parents. There are moratoriums and voters rejecting artificial turf all over the world. It absolutely needs to be stopped here in Mt. Lebanon. One of these days, we will be hearing about turf abatement, just like we have asbestos abatement. In the meantime, the EPA warning should be required and disclosed on all registration forms for youth field sports.

After I spoke, Commissioner Fraasch pointed out something to the effect that the entire commission can be held responsible, not just the three I mentioned.

Update February 12, 2014 12:10 AM It appears that we have someone on the Commission who is quite familiar with the dangers of asbestos.