The Guardian: turf issue link to Phillies health?; heat pump explainer

“There is a high number of Philadelphia Phillies diagnosed with this rare cancer and it looks weird, so that should be a red flag,” said Bennett. “We don’t know what those chemicals are doing to us – what happened to exercising caution when we’re talking about human health?”

However, all brain cancer experts who have spoken with the Guardian or were quoted in previous stories on the Phillies deaths cautioned that it is impossible to prove that the ball players’ cancers were caused by PFAS from the turf.

“The bottom line is anything in the world is possible, but what’s plausible and provable are totally different things,” said Henry Friedman, a neuro-oncologist at Duke University who treated two of the players. “There is no way to now say, ‘If these chemicals are there, they are causing the tumors.’”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/mar/10/phillies-ball-players-cancer-artifical-turf

"Few climate technologies have ever had a moment quite like the one heat pumps are currently enjoying.

While the share of electric vehicles and induction stoves sales may be growing, they still represent a sliver of all cars and stoves sold respectively. US heat pump sales, though, surpassed those of gas furnaces last year as the tech of choice to keep homes comfortable.

The sudden rise of the heat pump may have you wondering: what actually are they, how do they work, and are there incentives that can help lower the price?"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/mar/11/heat-pump-revolution-what-you-need-to-know

A heat pump can do both – warm and cool the house depending on the season. Composite: The Guardian/Getty Images

Webinar: Health and Environmental Hazards of Artificial Turf and Safer Alternatives - Thursday, Jan 5, at noon

Topic
Health and Environmental Hazards of Artificial Turf and Safer Alternatives

REGISTER: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArfu2vqzwrEtXOhMxCBiNvslECnxAeHwdj

Description: Many schools, municipalities, and parents are faced with decisions on creating healthy and safe play spaces for children. Research on the production, use, and disposal of artificial turf and synthetic playground surfacing has raised concerns about environmental  contamination, human health hazards, and adverse effects on wildlife. This includes concerns about carcinogens and other toxic chemicals found in materials used to make these play surfacing options. 

Chemicals of concern found in these materials can include metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and 6PPD-quinone, among others. There are also concerns about heat-related illnesses, skin infections, and microplastic pollution, among other health and environmental issues. 

During this webinar, Rachel Massey and Lindsey Pollard will discuss their research on health and environmental implications of artificial turf and safer alternatives.

Time: Jan 5, 2023 12:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Note: A similar webinar was held last year.  Find the details ->  https://www.healthandenvironment.org/webinars/96595

Webinar: Health and Environmental Hazards of Artificial Turf and Safer Alternatives

Franklin Issue on the 2020 'Watch List': new PFAS regulations from MA DEP

As we enter 2020, there are several issue that I will be keeping an eye out for. In no particular priority order, this first one carries over from 2019. The proposed MA DEP regulations are open for review. Public hearings are scheduled throughout the State during January to review the proposed regulations. You can find the schedule at the end of the MMA article linked to and quoted below. Alternatively:

"Public comments on the draft regulations will be accepted by email to program.director-dwp@mass.gov through Feb. 28"

From the Mass Municipal Association (MMA):

"On Dec. 13, the Baker-Polito administration and the Department of Environmental Protection announced their intent to file two regulations related to PFAS, a class of manmade chemical compounds considered hazardous to public and environmental health. 

While many chemicals have been identified as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, the MassDEP regulations pertain to six targeted PFAS compounds. 

The first regulation, filed by MassDEP, mandates cleanup by parties found responsible for groundwater contamination of 20 parts per trillion (ppt) or more of the sum of the six PFAS compounds. The cleanup rule also establishes PFAS limits specifically for soil contamination. Massachusetts is one of only a few states that have established formal PFAS cleanup standards. 

The second regulation is a draft rule that would establish a maximum contaminant level for drinking water at the same 20 ppt of the sum of the six PFAS compounds. In a press release, the MassDEP notes that the proposed maximum contaminant level for drinking water “covers a larger subgroup of compounds than any other state and provides a greater deal of protection, particularly for sensitive subgroups.”

Continue reading the article online
https://www.mma.org/state-files-regulations-regarding-pfas-contamination/

Why?

As an update to the previously shared listing on the "turf issue":

What we know:

• The prior conversations around the field replacements (completed in 2017) were centered around the crumb rubber infill. The Town spent more for an acrylic coated infill (which apparently was installed), the issue now is NOT with the infill but the with chemicals used to treat the carpet itself.
• A third party filed a complaint with DEP about the old turf stored at the Beaver St fields
• Article in TheIntercept about PFAS found in the turf itself  https://theintercept.com/2019/10/08/pfas-chemicals-artificial-turf-soccer/
• Article in the Boston Globe alleging potential issues with the water supply and shared via Franklin Matters  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/we-will-work-with-dep-to-resolve-matter.html
• The Franklin community on Facebook reacted in the online conversation around the article and issue
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen makes statement at Town Council meeting 10/16/19 https://drive.google.com/open?id=14VSvuZvTifTbeHO4bWFtIy2YxVdjRF4O
• Updated 12/5/19 - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen makes statement at Town Council meeting 12/4/19 referring to the DEP letter https://drive.google.com/file/d/15WMp_zZiMXs_7MfpUQJd5hgtaVbrlkY_/view?usp=sharing
• Updated 12/13/19 - While PFAS in the water supply was tested by Town of Franklin once in 2018, is PFAS still being tested by ToF now? No, nor are they required to do so (although as the final testing standards issued 12/27/19 are evaluated, this may change).
• Updated 12/13/19 - What will the State do with PFAS and the recent revelations (if anything)? The State just issued new testing standards to be finalized by 12/27/19  https://www.mass.gov/lists/preview-of-the-final-pfas-related-revisions-to-the-mcp-2019

What we don’t know:

• What happened to the Conservation Commission mitigation measures from when the field was first installed (in 2004?)?
• Where was the old carpet and bags of unused infill taken?
• What will the Federal agencies do with PFAS and the recent revelations (if anything)?

Related Links

TA Statement 12/4/19 meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/fm-184-town-administrators-report-to.html

TA Statement 10/16/19 meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/town-administrators-statement-on-old.html

Pantherbook article 12/11/19

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/pantherbook-toxic-turf-at-beaver-pond.html

bags of the acrylic coated infill ready for install at FHS in August 2017

Pantherbook: "Toxic Turf at Beaver Pond?"

Via Pantherbook:

"Have you ever played on the field at Beaver Pond in Franklin, MA? Many kids have. Little do they know, discarded turf from the field has been decomposing in the pond’s wetlands for over two years."

Continue reading the Pantherbook article online
https://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2019/12/11/toxic-turf-at-beaver-pond/

The Pantherbook posting was prescient as the Boston Globe published this:

"Amid growing concerns about toxic chemicals in the water supply, state regulators Friday announced significant new limits on the human-made compounds in drinking water and approved new requirements ordering polluters to clean up contaminated soil and ground water. 

The long-awaited rules come as environmental officials acknowledge that the per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, known as PFAS, have been found in a growing number of communities across the state. 

The chemicals, which have been linked to cancer, low infant birth weights, and a range of diseases, have been found so far in 28 of 37 municipal water systems that have provided test results to the state Department of Environmental Protection, officials said this week. Of those, 12 found that the amounts exceed the proposed standards for drinking water."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/12/13/massachusetts-issues-new-standards-for-forever-chemicals-water-supply/dz25i9Sk92QfiDl5TeSJFL/story.html

And as an update to the previously shared listing on the "turf issue":

What we know:

• The prior conversations around the field replacements (completed in 2017) were centered around the crumb rubber infill. The Town spent more for an acrylic coated infill (which apparently was installed), the issue now is NOT with the infill but the with chemicals used to treat the carpet itself.
• A third party filed a complaint with DEP about the old turf stored at the Beaver St fields
• Article in TheIntercept about PFAS found in the turf itself  https://theintercept.com/2019/10/08/pfas-chemicals-artificial-turf-soccer/
• Article in the Boston Globe alleging potential issues with the water supply and shared via Franklin Matters  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/we-will-work-with-dep-to-resolve-matter.html
• The Franklin community on Facebook reacts in the conversation around the article and issue
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen makes statement at Town Council meeting 10/16/19 https://drive.google.com/open?id=14VSvuZvTifTbeHO4bWFtIy2YxVdjRF4O
• Updated 12/5/19 - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen makes statement at Town Council meeting 12/4/19 referring to the DEP letter https://drive.google.com/file/d/15WMp_zZiMXs_7MfpUQJd5hgtaVbrlkY_/view?usp=sharing
• Updated 12/13/19 - While PFAS in the water supply was tested by Town of Franklin once in 2018, is PFAS still being tested by ToF now? No, nor are they required to do so (although as the final testing standards issued 12/27/19 are evaluated, this may change).
• Updated 12/13/19 - What will the State do with PFAS and the recent revelations (if anything)? The State just issued new testing standards to be finalized by 12/27/19  https://www.mass.gov/lists/preview-of-the-final-pfas-related-revisions-to-the-mcp-2019

What we don’t know:

• What happened to the Conservation Commission mitigation measures from when the field was first installed (in 2004?)?
• Where was the old carpet and bags of unused infill taken?
• What will the Federal agencies do with PFAS and the recent revelations (if anything)?

bags of the acrylic coated infill ready for install at FHS in August 2017

new turf carpet being installed at Beaver St field in August 2017

FM #184 - Town Administrator's Report to Town Council - 12/4/19

FM #184

This internet radio show or podcast is number 184 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares Town Administrator Report segment from the Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Dec 4, 2019.

Updates on:

• New Board of Health Director, Cathy Liberty replacing David McKearnery who is retiring
• Cindy Souza, of Animal Control is also retiring sometime in January
• Update the turf field issue now that the DEP letter has arrived
• Open Meeting Law special session on Dec 11
• Thanks to the DPW and others for the look of the Town Common
• Thanks to the DPW for their work on the first and long snow fall this week
• Update on the Spring St issue raised by the Cochran’s in the Citizen Comments section

Maybe I am getting lazy, maybe it is just worth a try, Jamie’s update from each Town Council meeting is not covered in detail by my notes (and yes, I strive to get better on that) so I thought it important to share the audio of his report to the Town Council in a timely manner. The Town generally publishes an “Actions Taken” doc to highlight the recorded votes. So rather than wait for the full minutes to be approved and available, I’ll share the audio segment of the TA Report.

The statement runs approx 9 minutes.

Link to DEP letter as mentioned
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15WMp_zZiMXs_7MfpUQJd5hgtaVbrlkY_/view?usp=sharing

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hc0j5J4X




What we know about the "turf issue":

• The prior conversations around the field replacements (completed in 2017) were centered around the crumb rubber infill. The Town spent more for an acrylic coated infill (which apparently was installed), the issue now is not with the infill but the with chemicals used to treat the carpet itself.
• A third party filed a complaint with DEP about the old turf stored at the Beaver St fields
• Article in TheIntercept about PFAS found in the turf itself  https://theintercept.com/2019/10/08/pfas-chemicals-artificial-turf-soccer/
• Article in the Boston Globe alleging potential issues with the water supply and shared via Franklin Matters  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/we-will-work-with-dep-to-resolve-matter.html
• The Franklin community on Facebook reacts in the conversation around the article and issue
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen makes statement at Town Council meeting 10/16/19 https://drive.google.com/open?id=14VSvuZvTifTbeHO4bWFtIy2YxVdjRF4O
• Updated 12/5/19 - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen makes statement at Town Council meeting 12/4/19 referring to the DEP letter https://drive.google.com/file/d/15WMp_zZiMXs_7MfpUQJd5hgtaVbrlkY_/view?usp=sharing
• Updated 12/5/19 - While PFAS in the water supply was tested by Town of Franklin once in 2018, is PFAS still being tested by ToF now? No, nor are they required to do so.
• Updated 12/5/19 - What will the State do with PFAS and the recent revelations (if anything)? The DEP is doing nothing now.

What we don’t know:

• What happened to the Conservation Commission mitigation measures from when the field was first installed (in 2004?)?
• Where was the old carpet and bags of unused infill taken?
• What will the State and/or Federal agencies do with PFAS and the recent revelations (if anything)?

-------------

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

Overall:

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
• If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------

The prior statement by Jamie Hellen can be found online

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/town-administrators-statement-on-old.html

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Town Administrator's Statement on the old turf and water quality issue (audio)

FM #175

This internet radio show or podcast is number 175 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares Town Administrator Jamie Hellen’s statement on the ‘hot topic’ around the old turf carpet stored at the Beaver St field since the new turf was replaced in 2017.

This is one of the shorter podcasts I have shared recently but as Jamie mentions in his statement 

“as we've been advised by the town attorney, will not be making too many more public statements other than what I'm am able to say tonight” 

I thought it important to share his audio as extracted from the Town Council meeting Wednesday, Oct 16, 2019.  The statement runs approx 6 minutes.

The show notes summarize what we know and what we do not know as well as provide the link to the text document with the transcription of Jamie’s statement.

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HNppT7dX



-------------

bags of the acrylic coated infill ready for install at FHS in August 2017

new turf carpet being installed at Beaver St field in August 2017

What we know:

• The prior conversations around the field replacements (completed in 2017) were centered around the crumb rubber infill. The Town spent more for an acrylic coated infill (which apparently was installed), the issue now is not with the infill but the with chemicals used to treat the carpet itself.
• A third party filed a complaint with DEP about the old turf stored at the Beaver St fields
• Article in TheIntercept about PFAS found in the turf itself  https://theintercept.com/2019/10/08/pfas-chemicals-artificial-turf-soccer/
• Article in the Boston Globe alleging potential issues with the water supply and shared via Franklin Matters  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/we-will-work-with-dep-to-resolve-matter.html
• The Franklin community on Facebook reacts in the conversation around the article and issue
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen makes statement at Town Council meeting 10/16/19 https://drive.google.com/open?id=14VSvuZvTifTbeHO4bWFtIy2YxVdjRF4O

What we don’t know:

• What happened to the Conservation Commission mitigation measures from when the field was first installed (in 2004?)?
• Where was the old carpet and bags of unused infill taken?
• While PFAS in the water supply was tested by Town of Franklin in 2018 and is not mandated by Fed/State for testing now, is PFAS still being tested by ToF now?
• What will the State and/or Federal agencies do with PFAS and the recent revelations (if anything)?

-------------

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

Overall:

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
• If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

FHS field/track status - limited open for Friday night football

Via Twitter, updates on the FHS field/track status. 

During Fri night FB game- Only players,coaches & support pers allowed on turf.No one allowed on track.Only entrance is near Horace M school

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) September 21, 2017

Following the football game, Pisini stadium will again be off limits until line painting on the track is completed.m -hopefully by Thursday

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) September 21, 2017

the track was laid down although the running lane lines
remain to be painted when I stopped by Thursday evening

Note to those who were walking along the track today, you are not supposed to be there (yet).

Franklin Public Schools; Letter to Athletes and Families on School Turf Field Status

Dear Student-Athletes and Families,

We are writing to provide an informative update on the status of the high school running track and turf fields at Pisini and Beaver Pond Fields, which have been undergoing renovations.

We share your frustration and concern about the delay of the project and the impact on our student-athletes. Although a new turf field has been installed, the field can not be used until the new track is complete. Although a significant amount of time has been spent by both school and town personnel planning appropriate timelines for renovation, there has been an unforeseen delay with the subcontractor who installs the track. The work began last week and is estimated to last approximately two weeks. They can not install in the rain, and each day of rain causes a further delay.

The project’s completion date, at the moment, is estimated to be September 20th, depending on the weather. As such, we have been working to relocate the first two home football games of the season. The September 8th game versus Stoughton is scheduled for Randolph High School. The September 15th game versus Milford is scheduled to be played at Milford High School. We are also developing contingency plans should rain delay the project further, impacting the September 22nd football game. All field hockey games originally scheduled at Beaver Pond Field have been moved to the New Turf Field, which is located near the front parking lot on the high school campus. The boys and girls varsity soccer games that were originally scheduled for Pisini Field have either been rescheduled or moved to the New Turf Field as well. Many of the sub-varsity games originally scheduled on the New Turf Field have been rescheduled or moved to the new Upper Grass Field, which is located near the new baseball and softball fields on campus.

We have been receiving daily updates from our municipal colleagues; they are applying pressure on the subcontractor through a daily fine for each day that the project is delayed and we are documenting the impact of additional transportation costs and lost athletic event revenue, which we anticipate recouping from the subcontractor. We know, however, that this does little to mitigate the impact on our athletic teams. We recognize that and express our sincere regret over the situation.

We want to compliment the student-athletes and coaches for remaining positive, flexible, understanding and resourceful throughout these first few weeks of the new fall season. We will keep you informed should any new information become available.


Sincerely,

Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools 
Paul Peri, Principal, Franklin High School
Tom Angelo, Athletic Director, Franklin High School

Friday morning photo of the Pisini Field track 

Friday morning photo of Beaver St turf field

A PDF copy of the letter can be found and downloaded from here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczN0dXU3dqeFdUN3VQMTFBWTVvbGpoR1FJaEtn/view?usp=sharing

“It’s very frustrating and there’s not a lot we can do”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The track at the high school has yet to be completed nearly two weeks after the contractor’s deadline, making the completed turf field unusable to the football team. 

The replacement project began in late June and was scheduled for completion by Aug. 15. Until the track is completed, the contractors will not allow the use of the field by the football team since it will violate and void the company warranty. 

The reason for the delay is unclear. Representatives from the contractor, Sprinturf, were unable to be contacted. 

Town Administrator Jefferey Nutting said that the contractor must pay a $1,000 penalty for each day past the contracted deadline they fail to complete the job. He also mentioned it takes two weeks to complete the track. This could result in at least a $20,000 discount to the $1.6 million job."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170828/franklin-turf-field-remains-incomplete

the field is empty on Beaver St, the materials are not yet
delivered and ready for installation as of Tuesday evening

a sidewalk has been added for the length of the Beaver St field

Schools may be ready but Beaver St turf field and high school track not complete

While the schools are ready to open, two key fields are not yet ready.

"Getting ready to kick off the 2017-2018 school year!! Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Ice Cream Social (9/8) and Curriculum Night (9/12)!"

Facebook image from Davis Thayer PCC

The new turf has been laid down at the high school field but the track is not yet complete so access is restricted until it is completed. When remains TBD?

sign clearly forbidding access until the work is complete

turf field in but track not yet laid out

The turf field at Beaver St is also not ready. A retention wall and drainage was still be worked when I was by a week or so ago.

retaining wall being added along the Beaver St side of the field

no new turf yet

"It’s safer, and for me that’s a huge concern"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The vibrant colors of the Panthers logo in the center of the new turf field at the high school are almost too bright to look at, but hard to turn away from. 

The fierce, blue panther and its intimidating teeth are sown proudly into the middle of the field, on the 50-yard line. 

“All I know is how beautiful it is and how excited we are to have it,” said athletic director Tom Angelo. 

The department of public works hired contractors to replace two of the three turf fields in town – the high school and Beaver Pond. They will also be replacing the track at the high school, as soon as the field is complete The town budgeted for the replacement far in advance, with the knowledge that turf life is about a dozen years. The project costs about $1.6 million."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170811/franklin-high-field-gets-new-turf

the new turf is being installed at Franklin High School

the crumb rubber infill is coated with an epoxy which should make it safer

New turf field at Franklin High School being installed

After several years of saving and a bunch of discussion on what type of infill to use, the new turf fields at Beaver St and the high school are being installed. The installation was timed for the summer ad to be ready for the opening of the school year.

new turf field install underway at the high school

while crumb rubber was chosen as the infill, this is coated with an epoxy finish

FHS and Beaver St turf fields to be replaced beginning June 19

From a Facebook posting by the Recreation Dept:

"Starting Monday, June 19, both turf fields, (FHS Pisini turf field and Beaver Pond Turf field) will be off-line and closed while renovations begin. FHS is expected to return to normal use on August 16 and Beaver Pond expected to open on September 1."

This action has been expected. It was discussed last year on the type of turf infill material to be used. It was agreed to use a different type than the crumb rubber that has been the cause of controversy. The money had been put aside for several years to help pay for the field replacements and finally voted for early this year.

new artificial turf field at the high school is made with crumb rubber fill

Finance Committee - Budget Hearing in April 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/04/live-reporting-finance-committee-budget.html

Town Council hears proposal to replace fields Dec 6, 2016
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/turf_fields.pdf

Finance Committee - Agenda for Dec 5, 2016
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/12/finance-committee-agenda-dec-6-2016.html

Medway Board of Health considers moratorium on crumb rubber March 2016
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/in-news-medway-boh-considering.html

Fields of danger - October 2015
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/10/fields-of-danger-video.html