The following is a summary of the evolution of synthetic/artificial turf:

·         Artificial turf systems were first developed for sports fields. In 1966, the Houston Astrodome was installed with the first ever artificial playing surface for the baseball season and a new era was born. This was a green carpet made of nylon fibers and caused numerous sports injuries. Subsequent to 1966 three generations of artificial turf have been developed.

·         The first generation utilized polypropylene with closely packed tufts, which was cheaper than nylon.

·         The second generation featured longer tufts spaced more widely apart, more closely mimicking natural grass. Sand was spread between the fibers to create sufficient firmness and stability for the users.

·         The third generation of artificial turf is made with polypropylene and polyethylene and is even softer to the skin. These artificial turf fields are spread with rubber granules in addition to sand with plenty of space between the turf fibers.

·         Drainage has been improved with the third generation of artificial turf, when it is installed as a system. Artificial turf systems vary in their cross-sections. The components of the system include placing the artificial turf mat on a finely graded sand layer over filter fabric on gravel, drainfield rock and on a compacted subgrade. Depending on the manufacturer’s method of perforating the grass mat (either with holes or channels), the drainage capability may be reduced due to the clogging of the mat pores from the rubber, sand and dirt over time. In addition, tire rubber crumb contains a range of organic contaminants and heavy metals that can volatilize into the air and leach into the percolating rainwater, potentially posing a risk to the environment and human health. However, some studies identified that the concentrations of volatile and semi volatile organic compounds in the air were typically not higher than nearby areas, while concentrations in the field drainages were generally below the respective regulatory limits.

·         In order to address concerns with recycled rubber infill in synthetic turf, some companies are also finding innovative ways to produce synthetic turf fields with thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) infill. Based on the limited information available on TPE used in synthetic turf infill, the material appears to contain lower levels of toxic chemicals than crumb rubber made from recycled tires. The companies producing the material affirmed it can disperse heat more efficiently; is highly shock absorbent; does not contain polyvinyl chloride, chlorine, plasticizers, heavy metals, or other harmful chemicals; and is 100% recyclable.

·         Another recent alternative for synthetic turf is infill made from plant-derived materials, such as coconut husks and cork. According to the companies manufacturing it, the synthetic turf and organic infill system contains undetectable amounts of lead and other heavy metals and volatiles, eliminating the threat of urban water run-off, contaminated soil and associated health concerns. In addition, it absorbs moisture and humidity, releasing it during the hottest time of the day and resulting in the lowest synthetic turf temperatures available.  It is completely organic and chemical free, and it is 100% recyclable. Other organic options include sand, coated sand, and other fibers. In 2015, the County of Montgomery (MD) considered the plant-derived materials for infill in synthetic turf a viable environmentally-friendly alternative and adopted a resolution supporting its use (Attachment A).

The following is a summary of our research:

·         Residential artificial grass is typically installed with simpler cross-sections that do not drain as well as sports field installations.

·         Artificial grass does not contribute to reducing heat island effects and is not considered a natural substitute for authentic green space. The plant-derived infill could present a better alternative to synthetic infill in this regard.

·         Excessive UV rays and sunlight can bleach and deteriorate the material.

·         In South Florida, the climate is ideal, year round, for growing healthy sod/grass. There are a number of different salt, shade, drought, and pest tolerant sod/grass species.

·         While artificial grass allows water to percolate, it has a lessened potential for improving water quality because there is no vegetation to absorb and cycle nutrients found in stormwater.

·         The long term implications of water being processed through a plastic material (artificial grass) have not been studied or documented.

·         Unlike artificial grass, natural sod and grass absorb carbon dioxide, albeit at a substantially reduced rate than larger vegetation. Notwithstanding, collectively this is a significant benefit over the long term which is not afforded by artificial grass.

·         Greater use beyond LDR requirements currently is possible via land use board variance

·         The Commission may want to consider that if artificial turf grass is installed in permissible areas outside of the minimum required yard setback and allowable encroachment, then require the newer generation plant-derived organic systems.