By Kerri Williams

WESTPORT — A possible ordinance that would ban new playing fields with artificial turf was a hot topic at a Representative Town Meeting committee meeting Monday.

Citing health and safety concerns, several members voiced support for an ordinance that would prohibit new artificial turf fields and block those that now have artificial surfaces from being expanded or replaced. 

The discussion took place at a joint meeting of the Environment and Health and Human Services committees.

“There’s nothing to recommend these things,” said Claudia Shaum, a District 5 member of the Environment Committee. “I don’t know why there’s a question. I am a thousand percent behind this.”

Other members pointed out the logistics of managing natural grass fields when there are so many young athletes in town playing a wide variety of sports. 

“I am somewhat sympathetic to turf fields,” said Jack Klinge, a District 7 member of the Health and Human Services Committee. He said turf fields have cost benefits and are more durable from effects of bad weather. “It’s not a black-and-white issue.”

The Staples High School stadium field and three other town fields currently have synthetic surfaces.

Wendy Batteau, the HHS committee chair, countered that the cost of artificial turf and grass fields is comparable, adding that turf fields also have required replacement after storms. 

“Everybody has an opinion,” Batteau said.

The discussion comes after officials overseeing construction of a new Long Lots Elementary School indicated the new athletic field planned for the school will have a natural grass surface.

“We are happy about that,” said Ellen Lautenberg, the Environment Committee chair, who first brought up her concerns about health threats posed by artificial turf during a November meeting. She said members are in the preliminary stages of drafting a proposed ordinance that would have to go before the full RTM for approval.

Members brought up the concern of PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are embedded in the synthetic playing surfaces. PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals,” according to Lautenberg. They break down slowly and build up in a person’s body with the potential of causing illness.

Another concern about turf fields is that  microplastic materials from the surface become airborne as the field breaks down. These tiny particles can contaminate the air, soil and water, and harm both people and animals. 

“You can’t put a price on health issues,” said Andrew Colabella, District 4.  “I would love to see turf fields not used any further.”

Kerri Williams is a freelance writer who has worked in journalism for years, including as a reporter for the Norwalk Hour and managing editor of the Norwalk Citizen-News.