Prior to 2021, over a third of games had to be called off due to field conditions.”

Superintendent Traci Ferreira

EPDM

Material composition: Composed of ethylene propylene diene monomer, a type of synthetic rubber. The infill granules are usually produced from virgin rubber material rather than recycled tires.

Durability: Maintains its properties better under UV exposure compared to crumb rubber. It may also resist compaction to a greater extent.

Heat retention: Has better heat dissipation properties compared to crumb rubber, which may result in cooler surface temperatures during hot weather.

Environmental impact: Considered more environmentally friendly, especially if made from recycled materials, with fewer concerns regarding VOCs and heavy metal leaching compared to crumb rubber.

Cost: Tends to be slightly more expensive than crumb rubber due to its manufacturing process and higher-quality materials.

Performance: Offers excellent shock absorption and resilience and may require less frequent replenishment compared to crumb rubber due to its resistance to compaction and degradation.

CRUMB RUBBER

Material composition: Made from recycled rubber tires that have been granulated and processed into small pellets and coated with a polyurethane material.

Durability: Known for its ability to withstand heavy use over time but may be prone to compaction and degradation under prolonged UV exposure.

Heat retention: Can absorb and retain heat, leading to higher surface temperatures on hot days.

Environmental impact: Its origin from recycled tires raises environmental concerns, and there may be health risks associated with the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals from the rubber.

Cost: Often more cost-effective compared to EPDM because it is made from recycled materials.

Performance: Provides good shock absorption and resilience, making it suitable for sports fields and high-traffic areas. However, it may require periodic replenishment due to compaction.

ELDRED, NY — The Eldred Central School District is moving forward with plans for a new sports field with artificial turf.

“After more than two years of careful consideration, we’re very near to a decision on the type of infill to be used,” said Traci Ferreira, the superintendent of schools. “We’ve been fully transparent about all our deliberations on all-weather turf.”

Most all-weather turf companies use either crumb rubber or EPDM. Crumb rubber is the longest-used material in all-weather fields. EPDM, or ethylene propylene diene monomer, is a synthetic rubber that several companies are offering as an alternative. 

Student safety is always a concern, whether the playing field is made of natural grass, artificial turf, or engineered wood.

“We haven’t made the final decision about which infill will be used,” Ferreira said. “We’re still looking at what is the best material to use with regard to student safety and cost.” 

The capital bond project was introduced during the 2021-22 school year, followed by four public meetings. Community members were invited to join a bond committee to develop a list of items to be included in the project. New fields, bleachers, locker rooms, bathrooms, and a press box were put on the list.

“The bond committee overwhelmingly agreed that an all-weather turf field was the way to go,” said Ferreira. “Prior to 2021 [before COVID], over a third of games had to be called off due to field conditions.”

The athletic field is used for both football and soccer.

“During the fall sports season, the field was used up to three times a week for soccer and football home games,” said Ferreira.

The school board approved the engineering and architectural firms during two meetings in April 2022. Public discussion of the all-weather fields continued through that fall. Renderings were on display showing the new all-weather facilities and materials that could be used.

Voters approved the capital bond project on December 6, 2022, and the resolution passed. Since then, Ferreira has been working closely with engineers and architects on design, cost estimates, materials, and project bids. 

In December, the school chose to go with the manufacturer Field Turf, which has provided the district with different types of infill options and cost estimates.

New York bill S72139, which is pending in the state senate, "establishes a moratorium on the installation of synthetic turf pending a comprehensive environmental and public health study." The bill was referred to the NYS Department of Conservation for evaluation." The bill states that crumb rubber "is the result of processing waste tires, which contain numerous components, some of which are known to be hazardous to people and the environment.  The hazardous components include arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, vanadium, zinc and acetone."

Editor's note: This article has been updated to correct the name of crumb rubber and to add information about the proposed moratorium.