Artificial Turf Project Update 2-12-2025

The Town had the TRC and Eurofins Reports reviewed by Northeast Water Solutions of Rhode Island. This report was held because it was used in the court hearings initiated by Roberta Lacey and supported by the Burrillville Land Trust.

Short summary, the Northeast Report supports the Town’s position that the artificial field does not pose a health hazard or danger to the ground water.

Notwithstanding that the TRC Reports of products from Portsmouth, NH and Brunswick, ME were reviewed, the most important information is the analysis of actual product(s) the Town will use “Vertex Prime” and crumb rubber infill at Burrillville High School. That information can be found starting on Page 4 of the Northeast Report. The entire Northeast Report can be found on the Town’s website by clicking on this link.  On the Review of TRC Reports-Installation of Artificial Turf Field at BHS. Here are summary conclusions:

“Te Solvent Extractions and TOP assay tests indicated the synthetic turf and crumb rubber materials contained very limited amounts of extractable PFAS materials of PFAS precursor materials that could break down into PFAS compounds. SPLP tests of Vertex Prime turf material, performed by both David Teter Consulting and TRC, demonstrated the synthetic turf material could potentially evolve trace amounts of 1 to 3 specific PFAS compounds. The SPLP tests were conducted using part-per- trillion (ppt) detection limits and accuracy, consistent with USEPA and RI Department of Health regulatory requirements and water quality limits. The findings informed a conclusion that the SPLP test results indicate a worst-case impact upon ground water quality would be negligible to non-detectable.”

We now have two independent experts supporting the Town’s position!

The Town has far greater problems with potential PFAS contamination than the installation of an artificial field that contains virtually no PFAS! Our money and resources are better spent being proactive and addressing the potential problems that have been accumulating throughout the Town over many years from our old landfills, septic systems and other underground sources!

Michael C. Wood, Town Manager
Town of Burrillville
105 Harrisville Main Street
Harrisville, RI 02830
401-568-4300, X145