Provides for an environmental and public health study by the department of environmental conservation on the use of synthetic turf

BILL NUMBER:S4321

Title of bill

An act to establish a moratorium on the installation of synthetic turf pending a comprehensive environmental and public health study; to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to envi- ronmental impact assessments of the use of synthetic turf; and providing for the repeal of certain provisions upon expiration thereof

Purpose

The purpose of the bill is to require an assessment of the public health and environmental impacts of the use of synthetic turf in indoor and outdoor settings.

Summary of provisions

The bill would require a comprehensive assess- ment of the potential adverse impacts of synthetic turf on the environ- ment and public health by the Department of Environmental Conservation in consultation with the Department of Health, with a report back to the Governor and the Legislature. The bill would establish a 6-month morato- rium on the installation of synthetic turf or until the assessment is complete.

Justification

Increasingly, synthetic turf is being installed in many locations in New York State, including parks, athletic fields, indoor facilities and other settings where natural grass was previously grown. In recent years, crumb rubber fill is being used as a component of synthetic turf and mulch. The crumb rubber is a result of processing waste tires, which contain numerous components, some of which are known to be hazardous. These contaminants can include arsenic, cadmium, chro- mium, lead, vanadium, zinc and acetone. Health effects associated with these contaminants include birth defects, cancer, nervous system damage and immune system suppression.

In 2004, the Legislature passed the historic Waste Tire Management Act, which provided for the collection and recycling/reuse of millions of waste tires stockpiled in New York State. While various options for waste tire use are essential to reduce the significant stockpiles of waste tires, these uses should not threaten or compromise public health or the environment.

Limited testing of synthetic turf has occurred, identifying levels of concern of lead, arsenic cadmium, chromium and other contaminants. However, more information is necessary to make informed decisions on the appropriate uses of this material. In the interest of preventing adverse health impacts and contamination to natural resources, the Legislature finds that a comprehensive investigation on the potential threats asso- ciated with the use of synthetic turf is warranted. Therefore DEC would be required, in cooperation with DOH, to conduct a comprehensive inves- tigation into the exposure and contamination potential of synthetic turf, including routes of exposure and installation, maintenance, removal and disposal of synthetic turf and alternatives including natural turf. The DEC report would be required to be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature.

Prior legislative history

S.4086 of 2013-2014 (Maziarz): Died in Envi- ronmental Conservation A.5486 of 2013-2014 (Englebright): Died in Envi- ronmental Conservation

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

None.

Effective date

This act would take effect immediately.