HomeMy WebLinkAboutPB Packet 2024-10-15
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
Shirley A. Raffensperger Board Room, Town Hall
215 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 6:30 P.M.
Members of the public are welcome to attend in-person at Town Hall or virtually via Zoom. The public will have
an opportunity to see and hear the meeting live and provide comments in-person or through Zoom (by raising
hand icon) at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83643764382.
If the public would like to attend the meeting for viewing purposes only, it is recommended to watch the livestream
video on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC9vycXkJ6klVIibjhCy7NQ/live).
AGENDA
1. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the
proposed Cornell University Meinig Fieldhouse Indoor Sports and Recreational Facility, located at Robison
Alumni Fields on Tower Road on the Cornell University central campus. The project involves replacing the
Robison Alumni Fields with a 90,000+/- square foot, 56-foot-tall indoor fieldhouse building and a new synthetic
outdoor field hockey field along with new sidewalks and pedestrian connections, stormwater facilities,
landscaping, lighting, and other site improvements. The majority of the project is located within the City of Ithaca
with a small portion in the Town of Ithaca. This is a Type I Action under the State Environmental Quality Review
Act for which the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board acting as lead agency issued a negative
determination of environmental significance on September 3, 2024. Cornell University, Owner; Kimberly
Michaels, TWM, a Fisher Associates Landscape Architecture Studio, Applicant/Agent.
2. Consideration of a recommendation to the Town of Ithaca Town Board regarding the proposed Maplewood Phase
II Planned Development Zone (PDZ), associated with the Maplewood Phase II Project on Maple Avenue, located
between the Maplewood Graduate Student Apartment complex and the East Lawn Cemetery. The project, which
requires a rezoning from Multiple Residence and High Density Residential Zones to a PDZ, involves
consolidating four parcels and constructing six (6) five-story apartment buildings, containing 615 units/800 beds
in studio, one bedroom, and two-bedroom unit configurations. The project will also include integrated
amenity/service spaces, parking areas, trails and pedestrian facilities, open spaces, stormwater facilities, and other
site improvements. The rezoning is a Type I Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and is
subject to environmental review. Cornell University, Owner/Applicant; Michele Palmer, Whitham Planning,
Design, Landscape Architecture, PLLC, Agent.
3. Persons to be heard.
4. Approval of Minutes.
5. Other Business.
6. Adjournment.
C.J. Randall
Director of Planning
607-273-1747
NOTE: IF ANY MEMBER OF THE PLANNING BOARD IS UNABLE TO ATTEND, PLEASE NOTIFY
CHRISTINE BALESTRA AT 607-273-1747 or CBALESTRA@TOWNITHACANY.GOV.
(A quorum of four (4) members is necessary to conduct Planning Board business.)
Accessing Meeting Materials Online
Site Plan and Subdivision applications and associated project materials are accessible electronically on the Town’s website at
https://townithacany.gov/meeting-calendar-agendas/ under the calendar meeting date.
TOWN OF ITHACA PLANNING BOARD
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, starting at 6:30 P.M. on the
following matters:
Consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for the proposed Cornell
University Meinig Fieldhouse Indoor Sports and Recreational Facility, located at Robison Alumni
Fields on Tower Road on the Cornell University central campus. The project involves replacing the
Robison Alumni Fields with a 90,000+/- square foot, 56-foot-tall indoor fieldhouse building and a new
synthetic outdoor field hockey field along with new sidewalks and pedestrian connections, stormwater
facilities, landscaping, lighting, and other site improvements. The majority of the project is located
within the City of Ithaca with a small portion in the Town of Ithaca. This is a Type I Action under the
State Environmental Quality Review Act for which the City of Ithaca Planning and Development
Board acting as lead agency issued a negative determination of environmental significance on
September 3, 2024. Cornell University, Owner; Kimberly Michaels, TWM, a Fisher Associates
Landscape Architecture Studio, Applicant/Agent.
Members of the public are welcome to attend in-person at Town Hall or virtually via Zoom. The public will
have an opportunity to see and hear the meeting live and provide comments in-person or through Zoom (by
raising hand icon) at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83643764382.
If the public would like to attend the meeting for viewing purposes only, it is recommended to watch the
livestream video on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC9vycXkJ6klVIibjhCy7NQ/live).
Any person wishing to address the board will be heard. In addition, comments can be sent via email to
clerks@townithacany.gov up to the end of business the day of the meeting and all comments will be forwarded
to the board. Additional information is available at https://townithacany.gov/.
C.J. Randall, Director of Planning
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING
215 N. Tioga St 14850
607.273.1747
www.town.ithaca.ny.us
TO: Planning Board Members
FROM: Christine Balestra, Senior Planner
DATE: October 8, 2024
RE: Cornell University Meinig Fieldhouse Indoor Sports and Recreation Center Project –
Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval, Special Permit
Enclosed please find materials for consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special
Permit for the proposed Cornell University Meinig Fieldhouse Indoor Sports and Recreational Facility,
located at Robison Alumni Fields on Tower Road on the Cornell University central campus. The project
involves replacing the Robison Alumni Fields with a 90,000+/- square foot, 56-foot-tall indoor fieldhouse
building and a new synthetic outdoor field hockey field, along with new sidewalks and pedestrian
connections, stormwater facilities, landscaping, lighting, and other site improvements. The majority of
the project is located within the City of Ithaca with a small portion in the Town of Ithaca.
Here is a very quick timeline of the Meinig Fieldhouse project review process thus far:
Town Planning Board received packet of materials for project, including Full EAF Part 1, at sketch plan
review meeting Jan. 16, 2024. Board issued concurrence with City of Ithaca Planning & Development
Board (PDB) to be Lead Agency in environmental review of project.
City PDB declared Lead Agency in NY State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process Jan. 23, 2024.
Project removed from Feb. 20, 2024, Town Planning Board agenda at request of applicant.
Town Planning Board met May 21, 2024, to review revised application materials, which included larger,
multipurpose outdoor synthetic playing field adjacent to proposed Fieldhouse, and relocation of field
hockey field to Game Farm Road in Town of Ithaca. Board discussed segmentation relative to SEQR
process, decided to forward staff memo from May 21st meeting to Lead Agency (City PDB).
Planning staff forwarded staff memo to Lead Agency May 22, 2024.
Lead Agency informally determined on May 28, 2024, that SEQR segmentation was appropriate.
Lead Agency held subsequent public hearings, made negative determination of environmental
significance Sept. 3, 2024; resolution from that meeting (attached to signed enclosed Full EAF) approved
segmentation of environmental review. Meinig Fieldhouse project considered separate from future
proposed field hockey field, anticipated to be located on Game Farm Road in Town of Ithaca.
City PDB granted Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval for portion of Fieldhouse project within city on
Sept. 26, 2024.
The purpose of the October 15, 2024, meeting is for the Town Planning Board to consider Preliminary
and Final Site Plan approval and Special Permit for only the portion of the Meinig Fieldhouse project that
lies within the Town of Ithaca. The Board received full application materials associated with the project
at the previous meetings noted above. The attached materials include a summary of the proposal, with
plans and drawings that are relevant to the consideration of site plan and special permit approval.
The town part of the Meinig Fieldhouse project includes roughly 15% of the fieldhouse building itself,
along with proposed stormwater piping to an existing stormwater facility on the southeast corner of the
2
site, new water and fire hydrant connections, new mountable granite curbs, replacement of existing
grass field areas and sidewalk with a paved walkway that can double as a fire access road, landscaping
consisting of several trees, shrubs, and ornamental grasses, and the addition of ten, 14-foot tall site light
poles. According to the application materials, the light poles will comply with the Town Outdoor Lighting
Law and will emit an LED color temperature between 3000K and 4000K.
Among the attachments is a memo written by the Town Engineering Department relative to the
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) that was submitted for the project. There are no post-
practices in the town-side of the project. Impervious surfaces consist of the building and walkways. All
exposed artificial turf and stormwater practices associated with the project are located within the city
limits.
In addition to site plan and special permit approval, the project will require area variances from the
Town of Ithaca Zoning Board of Appeals. Specifically, the proposed Fieldhouse building will exceed the
36’/38’ maximum allowable height (56’ proposed) and the 10% maximum allowable building area
(existing area is 20%, proposed is 20.6%) for the Low Density Residential Zone. The attached draft
resolution contains a condition of approval that the project receive any necessary variances from the
Zoning Board of Appeals prior to the issuance of a building permit for the project.
Please feel free to contact me by phone at (607) 273-1721, extension 121 or by email at
cbalestra@town.ithaca.ny.us if you have questions before the meeting.
Att.
Cc: Elisabete Godden, Project Manager, Cornell University Facilities and Campus Services
Kimberly Michaels, Director of Landscape Architects, TWM, a Fisher Associates Landscape Architecture Studio
Lisa Nicholas, Director of Planning and Economic Development, City of Ithaca
Leslie Schill, Director of Campus Planning, Cornell University, Office of the University Architect
DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING
Stormwater, Sanitary Sewer, Potable Water, Roads, Parks, and Trails
114 Seven Mile Drive, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850
ENGINEERING@TOWN.ITHACA.NY.US
PHONE: 607.273.1656
FAX: 607.272.6076
www.town.ithaca.ny.us
ENGINEERING MEMORANDUM
FROM: David O’Shea P.E., Director of Engineering
Emily Rodgers, Civil Engineer
Justin McNeal, Civil Engineer
TO: Kimberly Michaels, Director of Landscape Architecture
CC: Town of Ithaca Planning Board
DATE: October 4, 2024
RE: Meinig Fieldhouse Indoor Sports and Recreation Facility
We have reviewed the provided Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan for the Cornell University
Indoor Sports & Recreation Center and Sports Field Volumes I and II dated September 9, 2024,
and the associated plan set dated April 19, 2024 revised June 28, 2024. Specifically, we reviewed
the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, and the drainage area sub-catchments located within the
Town of Ithaca. We offer the following comments:
Stormwater:
• On page 3 of the SWPPP Vol. I narrative please add the following additional comment:
“If any fill sites are located within a designated MS4, the MS4 must approve the site and
sign onto the SWPPP as an additional MS4.”
• Winter stabilization procedures and specifications must be added to the construction
drawings in accordance with the Construction General Permit and the New York State
Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control.
Location of proposed Meinig Fieldhouse - Existing Conditions Aerial Photo 2024
prepared by Town of Ithaca Planning staff 10-4-2024
Municipal
Boundary
Town on east/right
City on west/left
PROPOSED RESOLUTION: Preliminary & Final Site Plan, Special Permit
Cornell University Meinig Fieldhouse
Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 67.-1-13.2
Planning Board, October 15, 2024
WHEREAS:
1. This action is consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit
for the proposed Cornell University Meinig Fieldhouse Indoor Sports and Recreational
Facility, located at Robison Alumni Fields on Tower Road on the Cornell University central
campus. The project involves replacing the Robison Alumni Fields with a 90,000+/- square
foot, 56-foot-tall indoor fieldhouse building and a new synthetic outdoor field hockey field
along with new sidewalks and pedestrian connections, stormwater facilities, landscaping,
lighting, and other site improvements. Cornell University, Owner; Kimberly Michaels,
TWM, a Fisher Associates Landscape Architecture Studio, Applicant/Agent,
2. Approximately 80% of the Meinig Fieldhouse Indoor Sports and Recreation Center project
is located within the City of Ithaca. The overall project area totals 7+/- acres, with 5.8+/-
acres in the City of Ithaca (including the proposed outdoor synthetic turf field hockey field,
approximately 74,000+/- square feet of the proposed fieldhouse building, most of the
proposed paving, landscaping, lighting and stormwater management facilities) and 2.1+/-
acres in the Town of Ithaca (including approximately 16,000+/- square feet of the proposed
fieldhouse building, some paving, landscaping, lighting, and stormwater facilities),
3. The project is a Type I action under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act
(6 NYCRR Part 617), for which the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board, acting
as Lead Agency, issued a negative determination of environmental significance on
September 3, 2024,
4. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on October 15, 2024, reviewed,
and accepted as adequate a Basic Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, along with an
application submission titled “Meinig Fieldhouse Indoor Sports and Recreation Facility, Site
Plan Review Materials Submission,” prepared by Fisher Associates and dated September 20,
2024; said materials were supplemental to previously-submitted application materials and
drawings dated December 15, 2023, April 19, 2024, and June 10, 2024, and other application
materials, and
5. Project plans, and related information, were duly delivered to the Tompkins County
Planning and Sustainability Department per New York State General Municipal Law §§239-
l et seq., and such Department responded in a January 16, 2024, letter from Katherine
Borgella, Tompkins County Commissioner of Planning, pursuant to §§239-l, -m, and -n of
the New York State General Municipal Law, determining that the proposed action will have
no significant county-wide or inter-community impact;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
1. That the Planning Board hereby finds that the Special Permit standards of Article XXIV Section
270-200, Subsections A – H, of the Town of Ithaca Code, have been met, specifically that:
A. The project will be suitable for the property on which it is proposed, considering the property’s size,
location, and physical site characteristics.
The project is located on the Cornell University campus and will be constructed over two existing
sports fields. The property’s size, location, and physical site characteristics can accommodate a
fieldhouse building and associated amenities.
B. The proposed structure design and site layout are compatible with the surrounding area.
The structure design is modern and will be located among other modern and historic structures on
the Cornell University central campus. The structure and site layout are compatible with the
surrounding college campus area.
C. Operations in connection with the proposed use do not create any more noise, fumes, vibration,
illumination, or other potential nuisances than the operation of any permitted use in the zone.
The proposed project will produce temporary noise, vibration, and other nuisances associated with
construction. Such nuisances will cease upon completion of the project. Proposed illumination will
comply with the Town Outdoor Lighting Law (Town Code, Chapter 173).
D. Community infrastructure and services, such as police, fire and other protective services, roadways,
schools, and water and sewer facilities are currently, or will be, of adequate capacity to accommodate
the proposed use.
The proposal is largely located within the City of Ithaca, which contains its own community
infrastructure and services. The services in the Town of Ithaca portion of the project are of
adequate capacity to accommodate the proposed use.
E. The proposed use, structure design, and site layout will comply with all the provisions of the Town
Code and with the Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan, except where the Zoning Board of Appeals are
considering area variances/appeals.
F. The site layout, with proposed vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian access, traffic circulation, and parking
and loading facilities, is sufficient for the proposed use and is safely designed for emergency vehicles.
The small portion of the site layout that will be in the Town of Ithaca includes a widened walkway
that is specifically designed to accommodate multiple modes of transportation, including
emergency vehicles.
G. The project includes sufficient landscaping and/or other forms of buffering to protect surrounding land
uses. Existing vegetation is preserved to the extent possible.
The surrounding land uses are college campus uses, which are the same as the proposed use. Most
of the tree loss associated with the project will occur in the City of Ithaca. The fieldhouse building
will be constructed over an existing disturbed site. The project includes a robust and sufficient
landscaping plan surrounding the building and site.
H. To the extent deemed relevant by the Planning Board, the proposed use or structure complies with all
the criteria applicable to site plan review set forth in Chapter 270, Zoning.
2. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval
for the proposed Meinig Fieldhouse Indoor Sports and Recreation Facility, as described in the
materials listed in Whereas #4 above, subject to the following conditions:
a. Before issuance of a building permit, receipt of any necessary variances from the Zoning
Board of Appeals,
b. Before issuance of a building permit, and per the memo written by David O’Shea, Emily
Rodgers, and Justin McNeal, Town of Ithaca Engineering Department, dated October 4, 2024,
revision of the SWPPP Volume 1 narrative to include the following additional comment: “If
any fill sites are located within a designated MS4, the MS4 must approve the site and sign onto
the SWPPP as an additional MS4,” and
c. Before issuance of a building permit, and per the memo written by David O’Shea, Emily
Rodgers, and Justin McNeal, Town of Ithaca Engineering Department, dated October 4, 2024,
addition of winter stabilization procedures and specifications to the construction drawings, in
accordance with the Construction General Permit and the NYS Standards and Specifications
for Erosion and Sediment Control.
Meinig Fieldhouse
Indoor Sports and Recreation Facility
Site Plan Review Materials Submission
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
September 30, 2024
September 30, 2024
C.J. Randall, Director of Planning
Department of Planning, Town of Ithaca
215 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
Dear Director Randall,
Attached please find additional site plan review materials regarding the Meinig Fieldhouse /
Alumni Fields project for Cornell University. Apart from updated renderings, this materials has
been submitted in our previous packages. We compiled what we felt were the most important site
plan related items into this package for the planning board's convenience. Please reference the
full drawing set and multiple narrative packages previously submitted for additional items not
included here.
We received preliminary and final site plan approval from the City of Ithaca at their meeting on
Thursday, September 26. We are looking forward to discussing Preliminary and Final Site Plan
Approval at your October 15 meeting.
If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to call.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Michaels
Director of Landscape Architecture
Fisher Associates
Fisher Associates, P.E., L.S., L.A., D.P.C.
1001 West Seneca Street, Suite 201 | Ithaca, New York 14850
ph: 607.277.1400 | www.twm.la | www.fisherassoc.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Project Overview/Site Plan 1
Landscaping and Planting Plan 1
Stormwater Strategy 2
Architectural Design 3
Site Materials 3
Site Lighting 3
Signage 3
Renderings 4
Planting Plan 9
Planting Schedule 10
1
Project Overview/Site Plan
Cornell University is proposing to construct the Meinig Fieldhouse, an indoor sports and recreation center,
on Cornell’s Central Campus in the area currently occupied by Robison Alumni Fields. The Meinig
Fieldhouse is a 90,000SF building at 56 feet tall which will enable year-round practice and play space for
athletes as well as limited competition venue for NCAA Lacrosse Players.
The project also includes a new 92,098 SF (93,098 SF with perimeter curb) multi-purpose synthetic turf
athletic field that will support a variety of sports activities for much of the year.
The site plan includes 21 bicycle parking spaces separated into three bicycle parking facilities. Which will be
easily accessible from pedestrian or fire access pathways and will not intrude into these walkways. One (1)
non-ADA parking space will be removed from the Bartels Lot to the south because of the proposed project.
Three (3) ADA accessible parking spaces will remain in the Alumni Lot to the north, and 8 ADA accessible
parking spaces in the Bartels Lot to the south.
Landscaping and Planting Plan
Natural landscaping around the building will include a variety of species with a strong emphasis on using
native, non-invasive plant materials. During construction, a total of 18 Quercus rubra will be removed, and 60
trees will be planted on site, resulting in a net addition of 42 trees on the site. As noted in the Planting Plan
under separate cover, the trees to be planted include:
2
•(11) 2.5” caliper Acer rubrum ‘Redpointe’
•(14) 8-10’ height Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance’
•(18) 8-10’ height Betula papyrifera ‘Oenci’
•(10) 8-10’ height Cercis canadensis ‘Northern Strain’
•(7) 2.5” caliper Ulmus americana ‘Princeton’
A variety of shrubs, perennials, ground covers, and a native planting mix are also proposed to be planted on
the site. Reference enclosed planting plan and schedule for additional information.
Stormwater Strategy
All of the proposed stormwater management practices will be located within the City of Ithaca. Runoff from
the artificial turf field and a majority of the proposed fieldhouse will be conveyed to a single below grade
detention system with the required volume to detain the 1% chance storm event. This system will use
manufactured chamber units encased in an envelope of stone and be located underneath the turf field.
Diversion structures will be placed upstream of the detention system to direct runoff from low flow events to
the system’s pretreatment “isolator rows”. Higher flow events will bypass the isolator rows and enter the
system directly. An outlet control structure will be installed downstream of the system to ensure discharge
rates do not exceed the existing conditions. Sand filter units, located underneath the below grade detention
system, will provide water quality treatment for the required water quality volume (WQv). A bioretention filter
located in the open space north of the fieldhouse will provide additional WQv treatment and satisfy the
project runoff reduction volume (RRv) requirement. Additional WQv will be provided by a hydrodynamic
separator located in the landscaped area south of the proposed fieldhouse.
3
Architectural Design
The Meinig Fieldhouse will be an inviting athletic venue designed to embrace the spirit of outdoor play
indoors. The flexible open fieldhouse space will be able to accommodate all types of team sports and
individual fitness routines. The Meinig Fieldhouse is designed with a clean architectural aesthetic. A few
folded façade moments provide clarity to the building entries, while glazing on the corners open an opaque
façade, allowing inviting glimpses into the activity space from all approach directions.
The architectural composition is expressed through a clean palette of materials including metal panel and
strategically placed storefront glazing. The majority of the building envelope is composed of insulated metal
panel installed horizontally and decreasing in width from the bottom of the façade to the top. The metal
panel finish is paired in contrast with angled glazed storefront at each of the four corners. The large triangle
shaped glazed openings provide views in and out of the facility and incorporate natural light into the activity
space. The entire facility sits on a brick curb that visually lifts the volume and also provides a durable yet
attractive base for protection from day to day maintenance operations and a clean edge for adjacent
plantings and landscape.
On the interior the field house walls consist of metal panels and exposed super structure with metal decking
above. The building support bar is primarily painted gypsum wall board while the flooring materials consist
of a mix of functional and performance-based materials including polished concrete at the entries,
rubberized flooring at the team rooms and artificial infill turf at the field house activity space.
Site Materials
All pedestrian walkways are proposed with a minimum six-foot width. Site paving will include asphalt and
concrete walkways. Other site hardscape items include precast concrete seat walls, and cast-in-place
concrete stairs. Site furnishings include bicycle racks, and recycling/trash receptacles. Railings and
guardrails are proposed to be stainless steel. Other site materials include a river stone drip edge along the
outer perimeter of the building, decomposed granite pathways, concrete retaining walls, and a black vinyl
chain link fence with pedestrian and vehicular swing gates along the hockey field perimeter.
Site Lighting
Site lighting within the project limit of work will be a combination of building-mounted and campus standard
pedestrian pole-mounted fixtures, which will be dark sky compliant and will be 3-4000K. Site lighting levels
will be designed for safety and security as well as comfort for individuals using the exterior areas. The site
design will utilize Cornell University standard poles and fixtures. Lighting cut sheets are provided in the
appendix.
Athletic field hockey light fixtures will be sharp cut off and have a color temperature of LED 5700 K – 75 CRI,
per NCAA requirements for play and recording. The 5700k color provides maximum white bright color similar
to daylight and is the industry standard for athletic field lighting. Warmer color temperatures, (3000k), make it
harder for athletes and spectators to see the ball and increase the number of fixtures needed to achieve the
same light levels.
Signage
Exterior signage will be in compliance with Cornell standards and will be compatible with nearby signage
elements.
4
Renderings
Figure: Meinig Fieldhouse and multipurpose athletic field viewed looking south from Tower Road
5
Figure: Multipurpose athletic field viewed looking east from Weill Hall
6
Figure: Meinig Fieldhouse viewed looking northeast from southwest corner of building
7
Figure: Meinig Fieldhouse viewed looking northwest from southeast corner of building
8
Figure: Meinig Fieldhouse and multipurpose athletic field viewed looking south from Tower Road, at night
ALUMNI FIELD PARKING LOTINDOOR SPORTS &RECREATION CENTERPARKING LOTKANE SPORTS COMPLEX &
CHARLES F. BERMAN FIELDWEILLHALLALUMNI FIELDLIMIT OF WORKLIMIT OF WORKLIMIT OF WORK
LIMIT OF WORKTOWN OF ITHACACITY OF ITHACAMUNICIPAL BOUNDARYMAINTAIN EXISTING GRASS. DO NOTDISTURB STORMWATER PRACTICE(14) AG(6) BO(4) BO(2) BO(3) AR(5) UP(2) UP(3) AR(2) AR(6) BO(10) CN(3) AR(100)NFG(100)NFG(100)NFG(9) VDVT-09RIP-RAP STONE PROTECTION,REFER TO C105(554) CP(374) CP(522 sf) TSFOREBAY LOW MIX (682 sf)BIORETENTION MIX (2,770 sf)FOREBAY HIGH MIX (630 sf)(95 sf) TS(840) CP(90) CP(584) CPLOW-MOW NATIVEUPLAND PLUG MIX(1,342 sf)(886) CP(671) CP(612) CP(10) AA(11) MP(3) MP(7) AM(8) AM(7) IR(1) IV2(43) AM(57) CS(60) MD(38) MD(53) AMEXTENTS OFSTRUCTURAL SOIL(11) IM(12) ISLOW-MOW NATIVEUPLAND PLUG MIX(1,140 sf)(8) PA(9) PA(11) PA(13) PA(6) PA(12) PA(10) PA(10) PA(11) PA(9) PA(6) MP(8) SK(45) SK(42) CS(1,344 sf) TL(1,609 sf) TL(382 sf) TL(284 sf) TL(3,443 sf) TL(3,298 sf) TL(3,459 sf) TL(622 sf) TL(30,696 sf) TSLOW-MOW NATIVE UPLANDPLUG MIX (7,828 sf)PLANTING PLANL5-01LEGENDDESCRIPTION:CANOPY / UNDERSTORY TREESYMBOL:PROPOSED DECIDUOUS TREE,SEE SCHEDULEVT-07SEEL8-03VT-06VT-06VT-01PROPOSED FLOWERING TREE,SEE SCHEDULEDESCRIPTION:SHRUBS AND GROUNDCOVERSYMBOL:SEEL8-03SHRUBVT-02STORMWATER MANAGEMENT MIXVT-05PLUG PLANTINGVT-03LIMIT OF WORK (LOW)MUNICIPAL BOUNDARYTURF GRASSBULB PLANTINGPERENNIALVT-03Plot Date: 9/24/2024File: G:\28020.00\3.0_Working\3.9_CAD\1_SheetFiles\L5-01_PLANTING PLAN.dwgSaved By: arenaudSealDrawing No.Drawing Title:Key MapProject Title:Client Project No:Drawn By:Checked By:Approved By:Issue Date:06.28.2024SC, TSAR, TS, SCAG, ZCDRAWING ISSUE & REVISION HISTORYNo.DescriptionDateSasaki Project No:1183528020.00ARCHITECT + LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTSASAKI110 Chauncy StreetBoston, MA 02111TEL. 617.926.3300www.sasaki.comCIVILTG MILLER605 West State Street, Suite AIthaca, NY 14850TEL. 607.272.6477www.tgmillerpc.comSTRUCTURALLEMESSURIER1380 Soldiers Field RoadBoston, MA 02135TEL. 617.868.1200www.lemessurier.comMEP/FPRFS ENGINEERING71 Water StreetLaconia, NH 03246TEL. 603.524.4647www.rfsengineering.comBUILDING AND FIRE CODEHOWE ENGINEERS141 Longwater Drive, Suite 110Norwell, MA 02061TEL. 781.878.3500www.howeengineers.com06/28/2024CD BID SETIndoor Sports & RecreationCenter and Sports FieldTower Road | Ithaca, NY 14853Cornell UniversityNorthScale: 1" = 20'CHARLES F. BERMAN FIELDWEILLHALL PLANTING NOTES:1.REFER TO L5-02, PLANTING SCHEDULE, FORLEGEND OF GROUNDCOVER AND PLANTSPECIES.2.PROVIDE MATCHING SIZES AND FORMS FOREACH SPECIES OF TREE INSTALLED ON GRID ORSPACED EQUALLY IN ROWS AS SHOWN ONDRAWINGS, SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY THELANDSCAPE ARCHITECT.3.PROVIDE MATCHING SIZES AND FORMS FOR ALLHEDGE PLANTINGS. SPACE EQUALLY(TRIANGULARLY) AS SHOWN.4.INSTALL ALL TREES A MINIMUM OF 3 FEET/1METER FROM BACK OF CURB, EDGE OF WALLOR PAVING.5.FORM MINIMUM 3 INCH/75 MILLIMETERWATERING BASIN AROUND ALL TREES NOTINSTALLED PAVED AREAS. FILL TREE RING WITHA 3 INCH/75 MILLIMETER LAYER OF MULCH.6.NO MULCH OR SOIL TO BE LEFT DIRECTLY ONROOT CROWN.7.REMOVE ALL GIRDLING ROOTS FROM NEW TREEMATERIAL.8.REMOVE TOP AND SIDES OF B&B TREES BURLAPAND WIRE FRAMES, REMOVE ANY EXCESS SOILFROM AROUND ROOT CROWNS.9.FOR BOXED TREES, REMOVE FOUR VERTICALSIDES OF BOX, LEAVING BOTTOM OF BOXINTACT IN TREE PIT.10.FOR BARE-ROOT OR MISSOURI GRAVEL TREES,FOLLOW CLIMATE CONTROLRECOMMENDATIONS OF SUPPLIER, SOAKHYDROGEL SPRAYED ROOTS FOR ONE HOURBEFORE PLANTING. SEE ROOT CROWN 1/2 INCH/13 MILLIMETERS ABOVE ADJACENT SOIL, ANDEVENLY SPREAD OUT ROOTS AND BACKFILL OFSOIL TO AVOID GROUPING OF ROOTS OR FINEROOTS, BUT RATHER RADIALLY ARRANGINGROOTS WITHIN TREE PIT.11.GENTLY LOOSEN OR CUTAWAY PLASTICCONTAINERS FROM CONTAINER STOCKPLANTINGS. FOR HIGHLY ROOT-BOUNDCONTAINERS, SHAVING ROOTS CUTTING FINEROOTS FOR THE OUTER 1/4 INCH/7MILLIMETER OF CONTAINER, FOR MILDLYROOT-BOUND CONTAINERS, HAND LOOSENBEFORE PLANTING.12.EACH LOCATION OF TREE SHALL BE STAKED ATAPPROXIMATE FINISH ELEVATION BYCONTRACTOR FOR REVIEW BY LANDSCAPEARCHITECT AND APPROVAL PRIOR TO FINALINSTALLATION. ALL TREES IN AREA SHALL BESTAKED FOR REFERENCE AND LIMITS OF PLANTBEDS AND PAVING CLEARLY MARKED AT AMINIMUM.13.PLANT NAMES ARE ABBREVIATED ON THEDRAWINGS. SEE PLANT LEGEND FOR KEY ANDCLASSIFICATION.14.ALL TREES TO HAVE A 3 INCH/75 MILLIMETERTHICK LAYER OF MULCH, AND SHRUB ORHERBACEOUS PLANTING AREAS TO RECEIVE 2INCH/50 MILLIMETER THICK LAYER OF MULCH,SEE SPECIFICATIONS.15.DO NOT PLANT GROUND COVERS, HEDGES, ORFLOWERING PLANTS WITHIN 3 FEET/1 METEROF ANY EXISTING AND/OR PROPOSEDHYDRANTS, PIV, FDC, DCDA, ETC.16.SEE SPECIFICATIONS FOR ANCHOR, TREECOLLARS, AND ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS ANDREQUIREMENTS NEEDED FOR PLANTING.
SYMBOLCODEBOTANICAL NAMECOMMON NAMESIZECONTAINERQTYREMARKSTREESARACER RUBRUM 'REDPOINTE'REDPOINTE RED MAPLE2.5" CAL.B&B11AGAMELANCHIER X GRANDIFLORA 'AUTUMN BRILLIANCE'AUTUMN BRILLIANCE APPLE SERVICEBERRY8-10` HEIGHTB&B14CLUMP, SPECIMENBOBETULA PAPYRIFERA `OENCI`RENAISSANCE OASIS® PAPER BIRCH8-10` HEIGHTB&B18CNCERCIS CANADENSIS `NORTHERN STRAIN`NORTHERN STRAIN EASTERN REDBUD8-10` HEIGHTB&B10MULTI-STEM SPECIMENUPULMUS AMERICANA `PRINCETON`PRINCETON AMERICAN ELM2.5" CAL.B&B7SHRUBSAAARONIA ARBUTIFOLIA 'BRILLIANTISSIMA'BRILLIANT RED CHOKEBERRY#3POT10AMARONIA MELANOCARPA `UCONNAM165`LOW SCAPE MOUND® BLACK CHOKEBERRY#2POT111CSCORNUS SERICEA `ARCTIC FIRE`RED TWIG DOGWOOD#2POT99ISILEX GLABRA 'SHAMROCK'SHAMROCK INKBERRY HOLLY#2POT12IRILEX VERTICILLATA `RED SPRITE`RED SPRITE WINTERBERRY#7POT7IV2ILEX VERTICILLATA 'JIM DANDY'JIM DANDY WINTERBERRY#7POT1IMITEA VIRGINICA 'MERLOT'MERLOT SWEETSPIRE#2POT11MDMICROBIOTA DECUSSATASIBERIAN CARPET CYPRESS#3POT98MPMYRICA PENSYLVANICA 'BOBZAM'BOBEE™ NORTHERN BAYBERRY#7POT20SKSYRINGA PUBESCENS PATULA `MISS KIM`MISS KIM KOREAN LILAC#5POT53VDVIBURNUM X RHYTIDOPHYLLOIDES 'DARTS DUKE'DARTS DUKE LANTANAPHYLLUM VIBURNUM#5POT9PERENNIALSPAPOLYSTICHUM ACROSTICHOIDESCHRISTMAS FERN#1POT99SYMBOLCODEBOTANICAL NAMECOMMON NAMESIZECONTAINERSPACINGQTYREMARKSGROUND COVERSCPCAREX PENSYLVANICAPENNSYLVANIA SEDGE---PLUG10" o.c.4,611TSTURFTYPE 1- CORNELL TURFGRASS SEED BLENDSEED31,313 SFTLTURF SEED LOW GROW MIXTYPE 2- LOW-GROW MIXSEED14,442 SFBIORETENTION MIX2,770 SFIV3IRIS VERSICOLORBLUE FLAG4"POT25% @ 12" o.c.720JE2JUNCUS EFFUSUSSOFT RUSH4"POT25% @ 12" o.c.720LC2LOBELIA CARDINALISCARDINAL FLOWER4"POT20% @ 12" o.c.576PC2PANICUM VIRGATUM 'CAPE BREEZE'CAPE BREEZE SWITCH GRASS4"POT30% @ 12" o.c.864FOREBAY HIGH MIX630 SFAD2ASTILBE JAPONICA 'DEUTSCHLAND'DEUTSCHLAND JAPANESE ASTILBE4"POT20% @ 12" o.c.131CB2CAREX FLACCA 'BLUE ZINGER'BLUE ZINGER SEDGE4"POT50% @ 12" o.c.327PHPENSTEMON DIGITALIS 'HUSKER RED'HUSKER RED BEARDTONGUE4"POT30% @ 12" o.c.196FOREBAY LOW MIX682 SFCGCHELONE GLABRAWHITE TURTLEHEAD4"POT40% @ 12" o.c.284JE3JUNCUS EFFUSUSSOFT RUSH4"POT60% @ 12" o.c.426LOW-MOW NATIVE UPLAND PLUG MIX10,310 SFATASCLEPIAS TUBEROSABUTTERFLY MILKWEED---PLUG3% @ 12" o.c.322AL2ASTER LATERIFLORUSCALICO ASTER---PLUG3% @ 12" o.c.322BCBOUTELOUA CURTIPENDULASIDE OATS GRAMA---PLUG20% @ 12" o.c.2,143CLCOREOPSIS LANCEOLATALANCELEAF TICKSEED---PLUG3% @ 12" o.c.322EVELYMUS VIRGINICUSVIRGINIA WILD RYE---PLUG15% @ 12" o.c.1,607HFHELIOPSIS HELIANTHOIDESFALSE SUNFLOWER---PLUG3% @ 12" o.c.322PNPYCNANTHEMUM TENUIFOLIUMNARROW-LEAF MOUNTAIN MINT---PLUG7% @ 12" o.c.750RHRUDBECKIA HIRTABLACK-EYED SUSAN---PLUG3% @ 12" o.c.322SSSCHIZACHYRIUM SCOPARIUMLITTLE BLUESTEM---PLUG40% @ 12" o.c.4,287SNSOLIDAGO NEMORALISGRAY GOLDENROD---PLUG3% @ 12" o.c.322PLANT SCHEDULENFGNARCISSUS 'FEBRUARY GOLD'YELLOW DAFFODILTOPSIZEBULBRANDOM300HAND BROADCASTPLANTING SCHEDULEL5-02Plot Date: 9/24/2024File: G:\28020.00\3.0_Working\3.9_CAD\1_SheetFiles\L5-02_PLANTING SCHEDULE.dwgSaved By: arenaudSealDrawing No.Drawing Title:Key MapProject Title:Client Project No:Drawn By:Checked By:Approved By:Issue Date:06.28.2024SC, TSAR, TS, SCAG, ZCDRAWING ISSUE & REVISION HISTORYNo.DescriptionDateSasaki Project No:1183528020.00ARCHITECT + LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTSASAKI110 Chauncy StreetBoston, MA 02111TEL. 617.926.3300www.sasaki.comCIVILTG MILLER605 West State Street, Suite AIthaca, NY 14850TEL. 607.272.6477www.tgmillerpc.comSTRUCTURALLEMESSURIER1380 Soldiers Field RoadBoston, MA 02135TEL. 617.868.1200www.lemessurier.comMEP/FPRFS ENGINEERING71 Water StreetLaconia, NH 03246TEL. 603.524.4647www.rfsengineering.comBUILDING AND FIRE CODEHOWE ENGINEERS141 Longwater Drive, Suite 110Norwell, MA 02061TEL. 781.878.3500www.howeengineers.com06/28/2024CD BID SETIndoor Sports & RecreationCenter and Sports FieldTower Road | Ithaca, NY 14853Cornell University
ADOPTED RESOLUTION City of Ithaca Planning & Development Board
Preliminary & Final Approval Site Plan Approval
Meinig Fieldhouse- Indoor Sports & Rec Center
239 Tower Rd
September 26, 2024
WHEREAS: the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board has one pending application for site
plan approval for an indoor sports and recreation center located at 239 Tower Rd by Kimberly Michaels,
Trowbridge Wolf Michaels, a Fisher Associates Landscape Architecture Studio, and
WHEREAS: the applicant proposes to construct the Meinig Fieldhouse, an indoor sports and recreation
center of approximately 90,000 SF on the existing Robison Alumni Fields which is composed of natural
grass and artificial turf fields, sidewalks, spectator viewing areas, and parking lots. The Meinig
Fieldhouse will accommodate a field that will be programmed to support NCAA requirements for
women and men lacrosse competitions; a varsity soccer pitch and/or varsity football field for practices;
and the facility will host campus recreation, club, and intramural sport teams. The proposed building
will also include a mechanical room, restrooms, a training room, and storage on the ground floor; two
team rooms, restrooms, an area for elevated filming and mechanical spaces on the second level
mezzanine accessible by both stairs and elevator; and on each level an area for a limited number of
spectators. The project is located in central campus and the limit of disturbance is proposed to be
approximately 7 acres in total, with 5.8 acres in the City and 1.2 acres in the Town of Ithaca. The
project site is located in the U-1 Zoning District in the City of Ithaca and will require no variances and
is located in the Low-Density Residential Zoning District in the Town of Ithaca and will require
variances in the town, and
WHEREAS: this is a Type 1 Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance
§176-4 B.1(b), (n), and 8(a), and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) §617.4 b.
(11) and is subject to environmental review, and
WHEREAS: the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board, being the local agency, which has
primary responsibility for approving and funding or carrying out the action, did on January 23, 2024
declare itself Lead Agency in Environmental Review for the proposed project, and
WHEREAS: the Planning Board, acting as Lead Agency in Environmental Review, did on September 3,
2022, review and accept as adequate: a Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF), Part 1, submitted
by the applicant, and Parts 2 and 3 prepared by Planning staff; Indoor Sports and Recreation Center &
Multi-Purpose Field Packet (26 pp C100-L8-11) dated 04/19/24 and prepared by Project Consultants
including Sasaki Architect + Landscape Architect, T.G. Miller, P.C., Lemessurier, RFS Engineering,
Howe Engineers; Vehicle Tracking Study (2 pp) prepared by above consultants and dated 03/20/23;
Seven diagrams dated 04/19/24 and prepared by TWLA A Fisher Associates Landscape Architecture
Studio; and other application materials, and
WHEREAS: legal notice was published, and property posted in accordance with Chapters 276-6 (B) (4)
and 176-12 (A) (2) (c) of the City of Ithaca Code, and
WHEREAS: the Planning and Development Board held the required Public Hearing on June 25, 2024,
and
WHEREAS: interested parties have been given the opportunity to comment on the proposed project, and
any received comments have been considered, and
WHEREAS: the Planning Board did, on September 3, 2024, determine that the proposed project will
result in no significant adverse impacts on the environment and issued a Negative Declaration of
Environmental Significance, and
WHEREAS: this Board did on September 26, 2024 review and accept as adequate the following new
and revised drawings: Renderings of Meinig Fieldhouse (3 pp.) submitted 09/13/24 and all prepared by
Fisher Associates Landscape Architecture Studio; Planting Plan & Schedule L5-01 & L-5-02 dated
04/19/24 and prepared by Sasaki Architect & Landscape Architect and project consultants; and other
application materials now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: that the Planning and Development Board does hereby grant Preliminary & Final Site Plan
Approval subject to the following:
The following conditions must be satisfied before issuance a Building Permit:
i. This site plan approval does not preclude any other permit that is required by City Code, such as
sign permits, tree permits, street permits
ii. Acceptance of the SWPPP by the City Stormwater Management Officer
The following conditions must be satisfied within six months of site plan approval or the start of
construction, whichever comes first
iii. Submission to the Planning Board for review and approval of placement, design, and
photometrics of site lighting fixtures
iv. Submission to Planning staff and any issues bring to Planning Board for review and approval of
all site details including but not limited to landscaping details, exterior furnishings, walls,
railings, bollards, paving, signage, lighting, etc.
v. Submission to Planning staff and any issues bring to Planning Board for review and approval of
outdoor and indoor artificial turf field details including performance shock pad, infill, and blades
The following construction must be satisfied during the construction period
vi. If impacted groundwater and/or soil are encountered during construction, it is required to be
handled in accordance with the applicable NYSDEC regulations and requirements and with the
involvement of both the City of Ithaca and the NYSDEC in the approval and monitoring of the
treatment system(s)
vii. Conduct third party testing of the artificial turf carpet for the presence of PFAS before it leaves
the manufacturer to comply with the goal that there artificial turf will not contain or be treated
with PFAS in the New York Article 27, Title 33 Carpet Collection Program Environmental
Conservation (ENV) CHAPTER 43-B, ARTICLE 27- NY Carpet EPR (Extended Producer
Responsibility) Law that will go into effect on December 28, 2024, and submit results to
Planning staff
viii. Noise producing construction activities will be limited to the hours between 7:30 A.M. and 5:30
P.M., Monday through Friday (or Saturday 9:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. with advance notification to
and approval by the Director of Planning and Development)
The following conditions must be satisfied before issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy:
ix. Installation of bike racks and/or bike storage
x. Any changes to the approved project must be submitted to Planning Staff for review and may
require Board approval
xi. Installation of any required or proposed sidewalk to the satisfaction of the City Sidewalk
Coordinator
xii. Repair, replacement or reconstruction of any City property damaged or removed during
construction including, but not limited to paving, sidewalk, curbing, trees or tree lawn, signage,
drainage structures, etc.
Moved by: Correa
Seconded by: Khoury
In favor: Khoury, Correa, Rollman, Petrina
Against: None
Abstain: Godden
Absent: Sutcliffe
Vacancies: One
WII7[IIflfl)Ll.flVICjProjectIMeingEjeidhouse239TowerRoadDate109-03-24FullEnvironinentalAssessmentFormPart3-EvaluationoftheMagnitudeandImportanceofProjectImpactsandDeterminationofSignificancePart3providesthereasonsinsupportofthedeterminationofsignificance.TheleadagencymustcompletePart3foreveryquestioninPart2wheretheimpacthasbeenidentifiedaspotentiallymoderatetolargeorwherethereisaneedtoexplainwhyaparticularelementoftheproposedactionwillnot,ormay,resultinasignificantadverseenvironmentalimpact.BasedontheanalysisinPart3,theleadagencymustdecidewhethertorequireanenvironmentalimpactstatementtofttrtherassesstheproposedactionorwhetheravailableinformationissufficientfortheleadagencytoconcludethattheproposedactiotiwillnothaveasignificantadverseenvironmentalimpact.Bycompletingthecertificationonthenextpage,theleadagencycancompleteitsdeterminationofsignificance.ReasonsSupportingThisDetermination:Tocompletethissection:•IdentifytheimpactbasedonthePart2responsesanddescribeitsmagnitude.Magnitudeconsidersfactorssnchasseverity,sizeorextentofanimpact.•Assesstheimportanceoftheimpact.Importancerelatestothegeographicscope,duration,probabilityoftheimpactoccurring,numberofpeopleaffectedby-theimpactandanyadditionalenvironmentalconsequencesiftheimpactweretooccur.•Theassessmentshouldtakeintoconsiderationanydesignelementorprojectchanges.•RepeatthisprocessforeachPart2questionwheretheimpacthasbeenidentifiedaspotentiallymoderatetolargeorwherethereisaneedtoexplainwhyaparticularelementoftheproposedactionwillnot,ormay,resultinasignificantadverseenvironmentalimpact.•Providethereason(s)whytheimpactmay!orwillnot,resultinasignificantadverseenvironmentalimpact•ForConditionalNegativeDeclarationsidentil5’thespecificcondition(s)imposedthatwillmodifytheproposedactionsothatnosignificantadverseenvironmentalimpactswillresult.•Attachadditionalsheets,asneeded.SeePart3narrativeOjWCftPRCQso4\msscDeterminationofSignificance-Type1andUnlistedActionsSEQRStatus:EType1LUnlistedIdentifyportionsofFAFcompletedforthisProject:PartIPart2Part3
UponreviewoftheinformationrecordedonthisEAF,asnoted,plusthisadditionalsupportinformationasdescribedinthePart3narrativeandconsideringboththemagnitudeandimportanceofeachidentifiedpotentialimpact,itistheconclusionoftheCityofIthacaPlanningBoardasleadagencythat:A.Thisprojectwillresultinnosignificantadverseimpactsontheenvironment,and,therefore,anenvironmentalimpactstatementneednotbeprepared.Accordingly,thisnegativedeclarationisissued.flB.Althoughthisprojectcouldhaveasignificantadverseimpactonthecnvironment,thatimpactwillbeavoidedorsubstantiallymitigatedbecauscofthefollowingcotiditionswhichwillberequiredbytheleadagency:Therewill,therefore,benosignificantadverseimpactsfromtheprojectasconditioned,and,therefore,thisconditionednegativedeclarationisissued.AconditionednegativedeclarationmaybeusedonlyforUNLISTEDactions(see6NYCRR617.7(d)).flC.ThisProjectmayresultinoneormoresignificantadverseimpactsontheenvironment,andanenvironmentalimpactstatementmustbepreparedtofurtherassesstheimpact(s)andpossiblemitigationandtoexplorealternativestoavoidorreducethoseimpacts.Accordingly,thispositivedeclarationisissued.NameofAction:MeinigFieldhouse,239TowerRoad,Ithaca,NY14850:SitePlanReviewandVarancesNameofLeadAgency:CityolIthacaPlanningBoardNameofResponsihleOfficerinLeadAgency:NikkiCerraTitleofResponsibleOfficer:Environmental&LandscapePlannerSignatureofResponsibleOfficerinLeadAgency:DigitallysignedbyNikkiDate:09/09/24N.kk.CIICrra—Date:2024.09.09SignatureofPreparer(ifdifferentfromResponsibleOfficer)0:i7:45-04’OODate:ForFurtherInformation:ContactPerson:NikkiCerraAddress;108EGreenStIthacaNY14850TelephoneNumber:607-274-6550E-mail:ncerracityofithaca.orgForTypeIActionsandConditionedNegativeDeclarations,acopyofthisNoticeissentto:ChiefExecutiveOfficerofthepoliticalsubdivisioninwhichtheactionwillbeprincipallylocated(e.g.,Town/City/Vtllageof)Otherinvolvedagencies(ifany)Applicant(ifany)EnvironmentalNoticeBulletin:http:/Aw.dec.ny.gov/enb/enb.htmlPRINTFULLFORMPage2of2
CityofIthacaFULLENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENTFORM—PartIIIProjectName:CornellUniversityMeinigFieldhouseIndoorSportsandRecreationFacilityDateCreated:01/30/24Updated02/05/24,02/12/24,05/15/24,06/17/24,07/16/24,08/05/24,08/28/24,9/3/24PROJECTDESCRIPTIONTheapplicantproposestoconstructtheMeinigFieldhouse,anindoorsportsandrecreationcenterofapproximately90,000SFontheexistingRobisonAlumniFieldswhichiscomposedofnaturalgrassandartificialturffields,sidewalks,spectatorviewingareas,andparkinglots.TheMeinigFieldhousewillaccommodateanartificialturffieldthatwillbeprogrammedtosupportNCAArequirementsforwomenandmenlacrossecompetitions;avarsitysoccerpitchand/orvarsityfootballfieldforpractices;andthefacilitywillhostcampusrecreation,club,andintramuralsportteams,Theproposedbuildingwillalsoincludeamechanicalroom,restrooms,atrainingroom,andstorageonthegroundfloor;twoteamrooms,restrooms,anareaforelevatedfilmingandmechanicalspacesonthesecondlevelmezzanineaccessiblebybothstairsandelevator;andoneachlevelanareaforalimitednumberofspectators.Sitechangesincludeconstructionofamultipurposeartificialturffield,proposedlandscaping,lighting,andbikeracks.Theprojectislocatedincentralcampusandthelimitofdisturbanceisproposedtobeapproximately7acresintotal,with5.8acresintheCityand1.2acresintheTownofIthaca.TheprojectsiteislocatedintheU-iZoningDistrictintheCityofIthacaandwillrequirenovariancesandislocatedintheLow-DensityResidentialZoningDistrictintheTownofIthacaandwillrequirevariancesinthetown.ThishasbeendeterminedtobeaType1ActionundertheCityofIthacaEnvironmentalQualityReviewOrdinance§176-4B.1(b),{n),and8(a),andtheStateEnvironmentalQualityReviewAct(“SEQRA”)§617.4b.(11)andissubjecttoenvironmentalreview.IMPACTONLANDTheprojectislocatedonataxparcelintheCityofIthacaapproximately147-acresandlocatedonaparcelintheTownofIthacaapproximately31acres.Thelimitofdisturbance,andtheprojectsiteitselfisapproximately7.3acres,with5.8acresintheCityand1.2acresintheTown.Theprojectsiteisapreviouslydeveloped,relativelyflatsitelocatedintheCornellUniversitycentralcampus.TheprojectsiteisboundedbyTowerRoadonthenorth,WeillHallonthewest,BartelsHallandparkinglottothesouth,andtheRobertJ.KaneSportsComplexFieldontheeast.Thesitecurrentlyhasablackchainlinkfencealongtheentireperimeterenclosinganopennaturalturfarea/grassyplayingfieldsinthewesternportionandanexistingartificialturffieldhockeypitch,RobisonAlumniFields,ontheeasternportion.Projectimplementationwillrequirethedemolitionofthegrassfieldsandtheassociatedutilities,theartificialturffield,andinfrastructure.Constructionisexpectedtolastapproximately16months.Astheexistingconditionsincludeafieldhockeypitchandtheapplicants’previoussubmissionincludedaproposed77,354SFfieldhockeyfieldwithamenities,andnowtherevisedprojectscopeincludesaproposed92,098SF(93,098SFwithperimetercurb)multipurposesyntheticturfathleticfieldthatwillsupportavarietyofsportsactivitiesformuchoftheyear,CityPlanningstaffhasrecommendedtheenvironmentalreviewbesegmentedbecauseafutureportionofthisproject,thereplacementofthefieldhockeyfieldwilltakeplaceentirelywithintheTownofIthaca,CityofIthacaPlanningBoardapprovaloftheproposedMeinigFieldhousedoesnotcommittheTownofIthacatoapproveanyofthedevelopmentofafieldhockeyfieldassociatedwiththepropertyonGameFarmRoadintheTownofIthaca,andsegmentationoftheenvironmentalreviewforthenewMeinigfieldhouseintheCityofIthacaandTownofIthacafromtheenvironmentalreviewforanyfuture1
CityofIthacaFULLENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENTFORM—PartIIIProjectName:CornellUniversityMeinigFieldhouseIndoorSportsandRecreationFacilityDateCreated:01/30/24Updated02/05/24,02/12/24,05/1S/24,06/17/24,07/16/24,08/05/24,08/28/24,9/3/24developmentofthefieldhockeyfieldintheTownofIthacawillnotbelessprotectiveoftheenvironment,becausetheconstructionanduseofafieldhouseintheCityofIthacaincentralcampusdoesnotsharecommonenvironmentalimpactswiththeconstructionanduseofanewfieldhockeyfieldoveroneandhalfmilesawayallotcentralcampusintheTownofIthacaintermsoftraffic,noise,lighting,visual,stormwater,utilitiesandotherimpacts.ThepermissiblesegmentationwillbeincludedintheC/SEQRdeterminationresolutioninwhichtheLeadAgencywilldetermine.Theproposed90,000SFbuildingwillbelocatedintheSEsectionoftheapproximate305,000SFprojectsite,withabuildingfootprintapproximately2.1acresThetotalareaofdisturbancefortheproposedbuildingandassociatedimprovementsis7.3acres.Theareaofimpervioussurfacewillincreasefrom4.07acresto5.79acres,foranetincreaseof1.72acresofimpervioussurfaces.Accordingtotheapplication,nomaterialwillberemovedfromthesite(3600CVcutandfill);allexcavatedmaterialswillremainonsite.TheAlumniFieldworkwillrequireanadditional3,500CVofimportedaggregate(SupplementalInformation,June10,2024,submittedbytheapplicants).IntheReportonCornellUniversityIndoorSportsandRecreationCenter&FieldHockeyPitchdatedFebruary2024andpreparedbyH&AofNewVorkEngineeringandGeology,LLP,theengineersdeterminedthesitetobe“generallyfavorableforsupportingnewbuildingloadsonconventionalspreadfootingfoundationsfoundeddirectlyonnaturallydepositedsoils.”Thereportspecifiesthedesignfortheshallowfoundationsoftheproposedindoorsportsfacility.Asfortheartificialturf,atthetimeofthereportitwasproposedtobeafieldhockeyturf,theyrecommendedremovalofexistingtopsoildowntosubgradeelevation,thenusingalargecompactionrollertoprepare“firm,dryandstablesubgrade,”and“maintainingadryandundisturbeddesignsubgrade”duringtheconstructionoftheartificialturffieldandforthepermanentcondition,“Ataminimum,thesub-turfdrainagesystemsmustbedesignedsuchthatthesystemisentirelyandatalltimesabovegroundwaterlevel.”Theengineersdetailedthesystemassuch:PendingfurtherdiscussionswithSasokiregardingfinalsurfocegradingandestimatedthnoffvolumecalculations,werecommendasub-turfdrainagesystemdesigncomprisedofalayerofdouble-washed,AASHTONo.57crushedstone(Sosakitodetermineminimumthicknessrequired)withperforatedHDPEpipes(sizedbySasaki)embeddedwithinthecrushedstonesoastoeffectivelycollectandtransportbygravityanyaccumulatedrunoffwaterthatfiltersfromtheturflayerabovetoanappropriatelysizedon-sitecollection/groundwaterrecharge/infiltrationsystem(ordirectdischargeintoapermittedstormdrain).Priortoplacingthecrushedstoneandperforatedpiping,andtofacilitateverticaldrainageofstormwater,ananwovengeotextilefabric(MirafiIGONorsimilar)shouldbeplacedontopofthepreparedandapprovedsubgrode.Theartificialturfhasalifecycleofapproximately8-12years.TheapplicantsintheirlettertotheCitydatedJuly8,2024indicatedthatthesyntheticturfanditsvariouscomponentswillbereusedandrecycledinthefollowingways:1.Theperformanceshockpadwillbeusedfor2-3syntheticturfcyclesandcanberecycledforuseinfutureshockpads2
CityofIthacaFULLENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENTFORM—PartIllProjectName:CornellUniversityMeinigFieldhouseIndoorSportsandRecreationFacilityDateCreated:01/30/24Updated02/05/24,02/12/24,05/15/24,06/17/24,07/16/24,08/05/24,08/28/24,9/3/242.Theinfillforthefieldwillbeextractedandeitherreusedinreplacementfieldsorrecycledataturfprocessingfacility3.ThebladescanberepurposedforothersportsfacilitiesorconvertedtomixedpolymerplasticproductsTheJulygthletterfurthercitesrecentremovalofsyntheticturfprojectsatCornell:1.TheSchoellkopfSyntheticTurfReplacementprojectfrom2016includedsandandrubberinfihlreusethatwasextractedfromtheexistingfieldandusedonthenewfield.TheturfwasrepurposedbyArtificialGrassRecyclingCorporation.2.Portionsoftheoutfieldsyntheticturf,fromtheHoyBaseballField2023project,werereclaimedandusedintheindoorhittingfacilityatBoothfield.TheturfandrubberandsandinfillweresenttoReTurf,anartificialturfreusecompanybasedoutofStotesville,NorthCarolina.Asartificialturfisanimpervioussyntheticsurface,theLeadAgencyaskedtheapplicantstoconsultanaturalturfexpertregardingthefeasibilityofusingnaturalturfinsteadofartificialturf.Dr.FrankRossi,NewYorkStateExtensionTurfgrassSpecialistandAssociateProfessorofHorticultureintheSchoolofIntegrativePlantScienceatCornellUniversityIthacacampussubmittedalettertotheLeadAgencydatedAugust29,2024,outlininghisprofessionalopinionontheproposalfortheoutdoorsyntheticturffield.Dr.Rossistates:Syntheticturfsystemshaveadvantagesforusage,especiallyduringthespringsportsseason,thatsimplycannotbematchedbyanycurrentlyavailablenaturalgrasssystems...Consideringcostbenefitandenvironmentalconcerns,naturalgrasssystemscannotmeettheexpectedusedemandsofthesefieldsforspringsportsseasons,evenwithinvestmentsinthelatesttechnologyandnotconsideringenergyintensiveinputsofmowing,irrigation,andnutrientuse(wecurrentlymanagethefieldwithfewpesticides).Thelatesttechnologyisalsoveryexpensive,typicallyemployedonlybyprofessionalsportsteamsandmajorDivisionIathleticsprogramsforcompetitionfieldsandinvolvesartificiallightingandtemperature-controlledrootzonesystemsusinghydronicsforheatingandcooling—practicesthatcomewithanassociatedenergyinputsandcarbonemissioncost.Dr.RossifurtherelaboratesthathedoessharetheconcernsofsomecommunitymembersregardingthePFASandmicroplastics,butthatlatestresearchpapersindicateeliminatingcrumbrubberinfillandusingaplant-basedinfilladdressesmostoftheseconcerns.Hefurtherstates,“Whilethiswouldhavetheeffectoflimitingsomeuseoftheoutdoorfieldinthecoldestwintermonthsduetofreezing,Ihavestronglyrecommendedtotheprojectteamthattheyconsiderthischangeanddevelopbestpracticesformanagingnaturalin-fillsurfaces.”Dr.Rossialsorecognizesthestormwatersystemproposedbytheprojectengineers.DavidHerrick,T.G.Miller,PrincipalEngineerwithP.C.EngineersandSurveyors,confirmedattheCityofIthacaPlanningBoardmeetingonSeptember3,2024,theproposedstormwatersystemwillremovesediments,includingmicroplastics,downtoaparticlesizeof0.212millimeters.Thisisadequatetopreventmovementofmicroplasticslargerthan.212millimetersofftheplayingsurfaceinstormwater.3
CityofIthacaFULLENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENTFORM—PartIllProjectName:CornellUniversityMeinigFieldhouseIndoorSportsandRecreationFacilityDateCreated:01/30/24Updated02/05/24,02/12/24,05/15/24,06/17/24,07/16/24,08/05/24,08/28/24,9/3/24TheapplicantsstatedattheCityofIthacaPlanningBoardmeetingonSeptember3,2024,thattheyarecommittedtomeetingthegoalthatthereartificialturfwillnotcontainorbetreatedwithPFASintheNewYorkArticle27,Title33CarpetCollectionProgramEnvironmentalConservation(ENV)CHAPTER43-8,ARTICLE27-NYCarpetEPR(ExtendedProducerResponsibility)LawthatwillgointoeffectonDecember28,2024.Further,theapplicantsagreedtothirdpartytestingoftheartificialturfcarpetbeforeitleavesthemanufacturer.TheresultswillbesubmittedtotheCitystaff.TheLeadAgencyhasdeterminedthatbasedontheinformationabove,nosignificantimpacttolandisanticipated.IMPACTONGEOLOGICFEATURESThesiteisinapreviouslydevelopedareaatCornellUniversitywithnogeologicfeaturespresent.TheLeadAgencyhasdeterminedthatbasedonthisinformation,nosignificantimpactongeologicfeaturesisanticipated.IMPACTONSURFACEWATERThesitedoesnotcontainsurfacewaterfeatures.Thenaturalturffieldsgenerallydraintowardsthewestover<2%gentleslopesandtheartificialturffield/fieldhockeyfieldgenerallypitchestothesouth.Theproposedbuildingisapproximately90,000SFandreplacesanexistingartificialturffieldhockeyfieldandassociatedamenities.Asyntheticturffieldof93,098SFwithperimetercurbisproposedtothewestofthebuildingandwillbebuiltasamultipurposeathleticfield.AccordingtotheFEAFIsubmittedbytheapplicant,thenetchangeinimperviousmaterialswillbeanincreasefromtheexisting2.3acrestoproposed5.6acresimpervioussurfaces.Atotalincreaseofapproximately1.72acresofimpervioussurfaces.Theapplicantspropose,“Stormwaterdrainageimprovementsinsupportoftheproposedbuildingandartificialturffieldwillincludeasystemofdrainageinlets,manholes,underdrains,roofleaderconnections,andswales.Drainagepatternswillremainconsistentwiththeexistingconditionstothemaximumextentpossible.”(SitePlanReviewApplicationReport,12/15/23).Aswell,theReportfurtherelaboratesthestormwatersystems:Runofffromtheproposedbuildingandartificialturffieldwillbeconveyedtoasinglebelowgradedetentionsystemwiththerequiredvolumetodetainthe.2%chancestormevent.Thissystemwillusemanufacturedchamberunitsencasedinanenvelopeofstoneandbelocatedunderneaththeturffield.Diversionstructureswillbeplacedupstreamofthedetentionsystemtodirectrunofffromlowfloweventstothesystem’spretreatment‘7solatorrows”.Higherfloweventswillbypasstheisolatorrowsandenterthesystemdirectly.Anoutletcontrolstructurewillbeinstalleddownstreamofthesystemtoensuredischargeratesdonotexceedtheexistingconditions.Waterqualitytreatment,includingboththerequiredwaterqualityvolume(WQv)andrunoffreductionvolume(RRv),willbeprovidedbymeansofinfiltration.PermeabilitytestingwillbeperformedinaccordancewiththeNYSDECStormwaterDesignManual.AbioretentionfilterlocatedintheopenspacenorthofthebuildingwillprovideadditionalWQvtreatmentaswellascontributeto(RRv).AdditionalWQvwillbeprovidedbya4
CityofIthacaFULLENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENTFORM—PartIIIProjectName:CornellUniversityMeinigFieldhouseIndoorSportsandRecreationFacilityDateCreated:01/30/24Updated02/05/24,02/12/24,05/15/24,06/17/24,07/16/24,08/05/24,08/28/24,9/3/24HydrodynamicSeparatorwhichwilltreatrunoffcollectedfromadjacentimperviousareos.AlloftheproposedpermanentstormwatermanagementpracticeswillbelocatedwithintheCityofIthaca.Theapplicantsareproposinga2,295SFbioretentionfilterwithaforebayapproximately850Sfinthenorthwestcorneroftheprojectwhichwillreceiverunofffrom24%oftheroofareaofMeinigFieldhouseaswellasrunofffrom.32acresofthesite.Thefilterwillremovepollutants,slowdownandcoolthestormwater.Theapplicants’lettertotheCitydated7/8/24,furtherelaborates“Theremainingareaoftheroofiscollectedandconveyedtothebelow-gradedetentionandsandfiltersystembelowthenewoutdoorfield.”TheentireAlumnifieldandgreenspacenorthofthebuildingdraintoabelow-gradedetentionandsandfiltersystemwhilethesidewalksandlandscapeareatothesouthofthebuildingdrainthroughaHydrodynamicseparator.DavidHerrick,T.G.Miller,PrincipalEngineerwithP.C.EngineersandSurveyors,confirmedattheCityofIthacaPlanningBoardmeetingonSeptember3,2024,theproposedstormwatersystemwillremovesediments,includingmicroplastics,downtoaparticlesizeof0.212millimeters,usingasandfilterandnon-wovengeotxtile.Withalloftheaboveforstormwatermanagement,allofthestormwaterwillbetreated.Thetotalareaofdisturbanceisgreaterthan1acre,sotheprojectteamwillsubmitaFullSWPPP,includingerosionandsedimentcontrolpracticesduringconstructiontotheCityofIthacainordertocomplywithNYSDECregulations.Therefore,basedontheinformationaboveandcompleteadherencetoanacceptedSWPPP,theLeadAgencyhasdeterminedthatnosignificantimpacttosurfacewaterisanticipated.IMPACTONGROUNDWATERTheproposalisaprojectinapreviouslydevelopedareaofnaturalandartificialturfandassuchdoesnotincludeoperationalactivitiesthatimpactgroundwater.Theaveragedepthtothewatertableontheprojectsiteisapproximatelygreaterthan24ft.AccordingtotheReportonCornellUniversitylndaarSportsandRecreationCenter&FieldHockeyPitchdatedFebruary2024andpreparedbyH&AofNewYorkEngineeringandGeology,LLP,groundwaterwasencounteredintwoofthetenborings,located14-10.4ftbgs,locatedapproximatelyat860-864.6elevation.Attheothereighttestboringlocations,“groundwaterwasnotencounteredtothebottomofthetestboring(approximately12to20ftbgs).”Theengineersfurtherstated,“Locallyperchedgroundwaterlevelsmaybeencounteredatotherlocationsacrossthesiteassociatedwithtrappedstormwater.”Anygroundwaterencounteredduringexcavationwillbehandledinaccordancewithallstateandlocallaws.Theengineersalsodetailthesub-turfdrainagesystemsinthereport,seealsoImpactOnLand.TheLeadAgencyhasdeterminedthatbasedontheinformationabove,nosignificantimpacttogroundwaterisanticipated.IMPACTONFLOODING5
CityofIthacaFULLENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENTFORM—PartIIIProjectName:CornellUniversityMeinigFieldhouseIndoorSportsandRecreationFacilityDateCreated:01/30/24Updated02/05/24,02/12/24,05/15/24,06/17/24,07/16/24,08/05/24,08/28/24,9/3/24Theprojectsiteisnotlocatedinafloodzone,anditisnotnearanywaterbodythatmaycontributetoflooding.TheLeadAgencyhasdeterminedthatbasedontheinformationabove,nosignificantimpactonfloodingisanticipated.IMPACTSONAIRAccordingtoinformationprovidedbytheapplicant,constructionisprojectedtolastapproximately16months.Excavationandpreparationoffoundationsadditionallycreatethepotentialforincreasedairbornedustanddirtparticles.Impactstoairqualitywillbelimitedtotheperiodassociatedwithconstructionactivities.Duringconstruction,theapplicantwillemploythefollowingapplicabledustcontrolmeasures,asappropriate:•Mistingorfogsprayingthesitetominimizedust;•Maintainingcrushedstonetrackingpadsatallentrancestotheconstructionsite;•Re-seedingdisturbedareastominimizebareexposedsoils;•Keepingroadsclearofdustanddebris;•Requiringconstructiontruckstobecovered;and•Prohibitingburningofdebrisonsite.TheLeadAgencyhasdeterminedthatwiththemitigationmeasuresduringconstructionidentifiedabove,nosignificantimpacttoairisanticipated.IMPACTSONPLANTSANDANIMALSTheprojectsiteisinapreviouslydevelopedarealocatedsouthofTowerRoadandisborderedbyWeillHallonthewest,BartelsHallandaparkinglottothesouth,andtheRoberti.KaneSportsComplexFieldontheeast.The7.3-acreprojectsitehasanexistingartificialturffieldhockeyfieldontheeasternportionandnaturalturffieldsonthewesternside.Onthesouthernsideoftheprojectisarowofdeciduoustrees,whichincludesRedOak,Quercusrubra.Wildlifelikelytobeencounteredonorneartheprojectsiteincludeinvertebrates,smallmammals,andbirdsincludingred-tailedhawkswhonestonthesportslightingpoles.Theapplicantsproposetoremove18trees,includingone6”redmapleand17redoaksranginginsizefrom6-10”DBHfortheproject(SiteProtection&RemovalsPlanLi-Ol,dated04/19/24preparedbySasaki).Theapplicantsexpecttohaveanetadditionof42treestotheprojectsite.AccordingtothePlantingPlanL5-01andthePlantingScheduleL5-02bothdatedApril19,2024andpreparedbySasaki,theapplicantsproposed60newtrees,manyshrubs,diversegroundcovers,andalowmownativeuplandspeciesmixonthesite.Theapplicantsproposetoplantmeadowgrasses,araingarden,nativetrees,andnativeshrubs.Theapplicantswillalsomaintainthetwoexistingsportslightingpolesthatserveasnestinglocationstoapairofred-tailedhawks.AccordingtoAdditionalMaterialsdatedApril19,2024preparedbytheapplicants,“Thenestingseasonforred-tailedhawkstypicallyrunsfromMarchtoJune,whichisbeingtakenunderconsiderationfortheconstructionofthefieldhouseandoutdoorfield.Thehawksseemespeciallyresilient,sincenumerousconstructionprojectshaveoccurredduringtheiroccupationinthisareaofcampus,andtheycontinuetomakethislocationtheirhome.”MiyokoChu,SeniorDirector,Communications,attheCornellLabOfOrnithologywroteinherletterwrittenJune6,2024,“Disturbanceclosetothenestshouldbeminimizedtoreducethe6
CityofIthacaFULLENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENTFORM—PartIllProjectName:CornellUniversityMeinigFieldhouseIndoorSportsandRecreationFacilityDateCreated:01/30/24Updated02/05/24,02/12/24,05/15/24,06/17/24,07/16/24,08/05/24,08/28/24,9/3/24chancesofdisruptionorabandonment.NestingtypicallyoccursFebruarythroughJune.Duringthosemonths,thecontractorshouldcoordinatewiththeCornellLabofOrnithologyadvisoryteamtoidentifyworkaroundswherepossibleandadjustifneededbasedonthehawks’behaviors.”TheLeadAgencyhasdeterminedthatbasedontheinformationaboveandfollowingtheconsultationandguidelinesoftheCornellLabofOrnithologyduringconstruction,nosignificantimpactonplantsandanimalsisanticipated.IMPACTONAGRICULTURALRESOURCESTheprojectsiteisnotinoradjacenttoanagriculturalarea,therefore,theLeadAgencyhasdeterminednosignificantimpacttoagriculturalresourcesisanticipated.IMPACTONAESTHETICRESOURCESAccordingtotheTompkinsCountyScenicResourceViews,therearenoscenicresourceslocatedadjacenttoorinvicinityoftheProjectSite.Additionally,therearenolocallyidentifiedscenicresourceslocatedneartheprojectsite.Theproposedbuildingwillbeamixtureofmaterialscomposedmainlyofmetalpanelsinstalledhorizontallyandangledglazedstorefrontwindowsateachcornerofthebuildingtoprovideviewsinandoutandallownaturallightintothesportscenter.TheproposedartificialmultipurposealumnifieldtothewestwillfitinwiththeKanefieldcomplextotheeast.Theapplicantsproposenaturallandscapespacesaroundthebuilding.Thebuildingandsitematerialswillbefurtherreviewedduringthesiteplanreview.Basedontheinformationabove,theLeadAgencyhasdeterminedthatnosignificantimpactstoaestheticresourcesisanticipated.IMPACTONHISTORICANDARCHAEOLOGICALRESOURCESThesiteisnotlocatedwithinahistoricdistrict,andtheexistingsiteisnotdesignatedatthelocalorstatelevelasanhistoricresource.TheclosesthistoricbuildingisFernowHallwhichislocatedapproximately350’tothenorthoftheprojectsite,whilehistoricdistrictsarelocatedover1700’fromtheprojectsite.Basedontheinformationprovidedabove,theLeadAgencyhasdeterminednosignificantimpactonhistoricandarchaeologicalresourcesisanticipated.IMPACTONOPENSPACEANDRECREATIONTheprojectsiteislocatedonapreviouslydevelopedareaontheCornellcampus.Thesiteissurroundedbyotherathleticfieldsanduniversitybuildingswithathleticfunctions.Theproposedbuilding,landscape,pedestrian,andbicycleamenitiesfitintothecontextoftheexistingspaceinthispartofcentralcampus.Asaresultoftheinformationprovidedabove,theLeadAgencyhasdeterminedthatnosignificantimpacttoopenspaceandrecreationisanticipated.7
CityofIthacaFULLENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENTFORM—PartIllProjectName:CornellUniversityMeinigFleidhouseIndoorSportsandRecreationFacilityDateCreated:01/30/24Updated02/05/24,02/12/24,05/15/24,06/17/24,07/15/24,08/05/24,08/28/24,9/3/24IMPACTONCRITICALENVIRONMENTALAREASTherearenocriticalenvironmentalareaslocatedwithintheCityofIthacaandtheTownofIthacaforthisproject.However,TompkinsCountyidentifiesUniqueNaturalAreas(“UNAs”)throughoutthecounty,whicharepartofthelandscapethathasoutstandinggeologicalandenvironmentalqualities,suchasspecialnaturalcommunities,orplantsandanimalsthatarerareorscarceelsewhereinthecountyorregion.AUNAisnotaregulatorydesignationanddoesnotprovidelegalprotectionforanareabutsignalsthatspecialresourcesmayexistthatrequireprojectmodification.TheclosestUNAtotheprojectsiteisUNA13&,CascadillaCreekGorge,separatedfromtheprojectsitebyaccessroads,buildings,CampusRoad,andHoyRoad.Thebuildingisnotvisiblefromthegorge.AsaresultoftheinformationprovidedabovetheLeadAgencyhasdeterminednosignificantimpacttoCriticalEnvironmentalAreasisanticipated.IMPACTONTRANSPORTATIONPedestrians&CyclistsTheapplicantsproposemanypedestrianpathsthroughthesiteandaroundtheperimetersoftheproposedbuildingandproposedartificialturffiled.Thesepathswillbeasphaltandconcrete,aminimumofsixfeetwide,andwillconnectwiththeexistingpedestriannetwork.Otheramenitiesincludeprecastconcreteseatwalls,cast-in-placeconcretestairs,stainlesssteelrailingsandguardrails,andablackvinylchainlinkfencewithappropriategatesalongthealumnifieldperimeter.AccordingtoAdditionalMaterialsdatedApril19,2024andsubmittedbytheapplicants,“Bicycleparkingonthesitehasbeenreconfiguredandincludesatotalof21bicycleparkingspacesseparatedintothreebicycleparkingfacilities.,.bicycleparkingfacilitieswillbeeasilyaccessiblefrompedestrianorfireaccesspathwaysandnotintrudeintothesewalkways”Vehicular&FireAccessTheprojectwillnotaddanynewparkingspaces,howeverthereareadjacentparkinglotsthatcanservetheproposedbuilding.AdjacenttothenorthoftheprojectsiteistheAlumniLotwhichhas225spaces3ofwhicharepermanentADAparkingspacesandtothesouthoftheprojectistheBartelsLotwhichwillhave79parkingspaceswiththeremovalofonespaceduetothisproject,eightofwhichareADAaccessiblespaces.Thenewfacilityisexpectedtobeusedprimarilybystudents,sotherewillbelittledemandforparking.Accordingtotheapplicant,intheSitePlanReviewApplicationReportprepared12/15/23:Theprojectsitewillbeaccessibletofireandemergencyvehiclesfromfourpoints.Two20-feetwideangledcurbsareproposedtothenorthoftheMeinigFieldhousestructurefromtheAlumniFieldparkinglot,andtwo20-feetwideflushcurbsareproposedtothesouthofthestructure,fromtheparkingareaadjacenttotheFriedmanWrestlingCenter.Acontinuouspathwayofminimum20feetwidthisproposedaroundtheentireperimeteroftheMeinigFieldhousestructure,allowingaccessforfireapparatus.ThepathwayalongthenorthsideoftheMeinig8
CityofIthacaFULLENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENTFORM—PartIllProjectName:CornellUniversityMeinigFieldhouseIndoorSportsandRecreationFacilityDateCreated:01/30/24Updated02/05/24,02/12/24,05/15/24,06/17/24,07/16/24,08/05/24,08/28/24,9/3/24Fieldhousestructureisproposedtobe26feetwide,offsetfromthebuildingfacadebetween15feetand30feettoaccommodatefireapparatusaerialaccess.ThenorthernmostlaneoftheexistingparkingareaadjacenttotheFriedmanWrestlingCenter(20feetminimumwidth)willservefireapparatusaccessalongaportionofthesouthernaccessroute.Apavedpointofaccessatthenortheastcorneroftheexteriorturffieldwillprovideaccessontotheplayingsurfaceforemergencyvehicles.TheFireApparatusAccessRoutessheetandVehicleTrackingdiagramsareprovidedinthetechnicaldrawingsetunderseparatecover.ConstructionRelatedImpactsConstructionisexpectedtotakeapproximately16months,andtheapplicantsanticipatethethirdquarterin2025tobethebusiesttimeofconstruction,withamaximumof80workersexpectedonsiteinasingleday.“ConstructionvehicleswillbedirectedtoaccessthesiteviaaprescribedroutefromTowerRoadfornewfieldworkandfromCampusRoadforthebuildingwork.”(SitePlanApplicationReport,12/15/23).TheapplicantssubmittedaconstructionlogisticsdiagramlabeledSiteConstructionlogistics,approximatelyNovember2024-March2026intheirApril19,2024submittalwhichshowslocationsforconstructionstaging,constructionentrance,fireaccess,etc.Aswellinthesamesubmissiontheapplicantsstate:ConstructionstagingandloydownwillbelocatednorthoftheproposedbuildingandwestoftheexistingRobisonAlumniFieldHockeyField.PalmRoadlotwillbeusedasoverflowcontractorparkingandstagingasneeded.ConstructionvehicleswillbedirectedtoaccessthesiteviaaprescribedroutefromTowerRoadfornewfieldworkandfromCampusRoadforthebuildingwork.Theprojectwillgenerateapproximately1,200truckroundtripsoverathree-monthperiod.Thelargestvolumesoftruckactivitywouldbeassociatedwithimportinggeneralfillusedforroughgradingthesiteandbringingthenewbuildinguptofinishedfloorelevation,whenamaximumof30truckscouldbeexpectedtoarriveonsiteinasingleday.Mostlong-distancedeliveryroutesto/fromCornell’scampusutilizeroute81northorsouth.TrafficleavingthesiteandheadingnorthwouldexitcampusonTowerRood,utilizeroute366toroute13to81north.TrafficleavingthesiteandheadingsouthwouldexitcampusonHayRoad,usePineTreeRoodtoroute79to81south.Routediagramsareincludedbelow.Asforutilitywork,TowerRoadwillneedtobeclosedfortwoweeksduringthesummerandreroutingtrafficwillbenecessary,andtwoparkinglots,onesouthofTowerRoadandNorthofCampusRdwillneedtobeclosedforapproximatelytwoweeks.Theexistingsidewalkswillbedemolishedandreconstructed,sopedestriantrafficwillbereroutedtothesouthofBartelsHalltotheexistingsidewalkalongCampusRdandreroutedtoremainontheexistingsidewalkbetweenWeillHallandtheBiotechnologyBuilding.Asaresultoftheinformationprovidedabove,theLeadAgencyhasdeterminedthatnosignificantimpactontrafficisanticipated.9
CityofIthacaFULLENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENTFORM—PartIllProjectName:CornellUniversityMeinigFieldhouseIndoorSportsandRecreationFacilityDateCreated:01/30/24Updated02/05/24,02/12/24,05/15/24,06/17/24,07/15/24,08/05/24,08/28/24,9/3/24IMPACTONENERGYOnAugust4,2021,theIthacaEnergyCodeSupplement(IECS)wentintoeffectforallnewbuildingsconstructedinIthaca.TheIECSprioritizeselectrification,renewableenergy,andaffordabilitywiththefollowingobjectives:“delivermeasurableandimmediatereductionsingreenhousegas(GHG}emissionsfromnewbuildings,majorrenovations,andnewadditions;promotebestpracticesinthedesignofaffordablebuildingstodeliverreducedGHGemissions;andprovidearapidbutorderlytransitiontobuildingsthatdonotusefossilfuelsformajorbuildingenergyneedssuchasspaceheatingandhotwaterheating,by2026.ForconstructionsubjecttotheIthacaEnergyCodeSupplement,requirementsforreductionsinGHGsgointoeffectinthreesteps:2021,2023,and2026.”FromAugust4,2021,until2023allnewbuildingsmustproduce40%fewergreenhousegasemissionsthantheEnergyConservationConstructionCodeofNewYorkStaterequires.Beginningin2023,theIECSwillincreasetherequirementsofnewconstructiontoproduce80%fewergreenhousegasemissionsthantheEnergyConservationConstructionCodeofNewYorkStaterequires,andby2026allnewlyconstructedbuildingsinIthacawillberequiredtobenet-zerobuildingsthatdonotusefossilfuels.TheIECSsupportsIthaca’sGreenNewDealwhichaimsto“achieveanequitabletransitiontocarbon-neutrality”community-wideby2030.TheBuildingDivisionwilloverseeimplementationandenforcementoftheIECS.Further,attheSeptember3,2024,CityofIthacaPlanningBoardmeeting,theapplicantsconfirmedtheyareproposingtopurchaseoffsiterenewableenergytomeettheenergyrequirements.Asaresult,fromtheinformationprovidedabove,theLeadAgencyhasdeterminedthatnosignificantimpacttoenergyisanticipated.IMPACTONNOISE.ODOR&LIGHTBasedoninformationprovidedbytheapplicantconstructionwilllastapproximately16months.TheprojectisinadevelopedareaonCornellcampus.Noiseproducingconstructionactivities,especiallyfoundationwork,willtemporarilyaffectresidentsintheimmediatearea.TheexteriorlightingwillbeLEDanddarkskycompliant.TheinteriorlightingwillutilizeanLEDsystem,anddaylightandoccupancy-basedcontrolsystemswhererequired.Noiseproducingconstructionactivitieswilltemporarilyimpactresidentsintheimmediatearea.Noiseproducingconstructionactivitieswillbelimitedtothehoursbetween7:30AM.and5:30P.M.,MondaythroughFriday(orSaturday9:00A.M.to5:30P.M.withadvancenotificationtoandapprovalbytheDirectorofPlanningandDevelopment).Asaresultofthisinformation,theLeadAgencyhasdeterminednosignificantimpactonnoise,odor,andlightisanticipated.IMPACTONHUMANHEALTHTheprojectsitehasnoreportedspillsintheNYDECSpillsIncidentsdatabaseorintheEnvironmentalRemediationdatabase.10
CityofIthacaFULLENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENTFORM—PartIllProjectName:CornellUniversityMeinigFieldhouseIndoorSportsandRecreationFacilityDateCreated:01/30/24Updated02/05/24,02/12/24,05/15/24,06/17/24,07/16/24,08/05/24,08/28/24,9/3/24TheapplicantsareproposingasyntheticturfsystemattheoutdoorAlumniFieldaswellasinsidetheMeinigFieldhouse.Theindoorartificialturffieldisproposedtocontainaninfillcomprisedofsand,andeitherrecycledcrumbrubberoravirginsyntheticrubber.Theindoorfieldwillhavewalk-offmatsforthematerialsatthefieldexits.Theoutdoorartificialturffieldisproposedtocontainaplant-basedinfillandpossiblysand.AccordingtotheAdditionalMaterialssubmissiondatedApril19,2024bytheapplicants:[theartificialfields]arecomposedofaduallong-fibersystem,withbothslitfilmandmonofilamentpolyethylenefibers,sandandrubberinfill,andaperformanceshockpad.ThesyntheticturfsystemischosenbasedontheOneTurfConceptthatconsidersindividualcomponents,longevity,andoverallperformancerequirementsincludingplayersafety.TheOneTurfConceptwascreatedbyInternationalFederationofAssociationFootball{FIFA),WorldRugby,andInternationalHockeyFederation{FIH).Performancerequirementparameters,asshowninthechartbelow,includeshockabsorption,verticalallroll[largeball),andverticalballrebound.Syntheticturffieldsarereplacedevery8-12yearsdependingonperformanceandwear.Duringthefieldreplacementprocess,theexistingturfwillberecycled.CornellUniversityisadvancingtheuseofsyntheticturftoprovideasurfacethatcanbeusedforathletic,recreationandwellnessactivitiesevenwhentheweatherisnotfavorable.Duetorainand/orsnow,syntheticturfallowsforheavyusebyalluniversityprogramsthroughouttheentireyear.ThecurrentgrassfieldsarenotusableNovember-Aprilandduringperiodsofprolongedinclementweather.Additionally,syntheticturfsignificantlyreducestheneedforhighlevelsofmaintenance:mowing,fertilizing,paintinglines,andrepairinganydamagedonetothegrass.Theapplicantssubmittedan11-pagememofromH&AofNewYorkEngineeringandGeology,LLP,datedApril2,2024,whichprovides“asummaryofrecentlypublishedstudiesandreportsthatevaluatethesafety(healthandenvironmentalrisks)ofusingsyntheticturfathleticfields,withfocusonchemicalscontainedinorassociatedwithsyntheticturf.”Thememo“addressespotentialhealthandenvironmentaleffectsassociatedwithsyntheticturffieldsystemcomponents,withafocusoncrumbrubberandEDPMinfill,andafocusontheshockpad,backing,andturfbladecomponents.”Thememocitesseveralpeer-reviewedresearchstudiesandfromthesestudiesfocusedonthechemicalandhealthandenvironmentaleffectsassociatedwithcrumbrubberandEDPMinfill,theengineerssummarize,“Theinformationprovidedbythesestudiesdemonstratethatthechemicalsthatareincrumbrubberinfillareunlikelytocomeoutofthematerialsatconcentrationsthatwouldharmpeopleortheenvironment.BycomparisonchemicalsarepresentatlowerconcentrationsinEDPMandwouldnotcomeoutatconcentrationsthatwouldharmpeopleortheenvironment.Consequently,rubberinfillsaresafeforcontactbypeopleandwillnotharmgroundwaterorsurfacewater.”Thememoalsoevaluatespeer-reviewedresearchpertainingtotheheatislandeffectandartificialturfsandsummarizes,“Collectively,thisinformationsuggeststhat,whilesyntheticturffieldsurfacesgetwarmerthannaturalturffieldsurfaces,airtemperaturesabovesyntheticturf11
CityofIthacaFULLENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENTFORM—PartIllProjectName:CornellUniversityMeinigFieldhouseIndoorSportsandRecreationFacilityDateCreated:01/30/24Updated02/05/24,02/12/24,05/15/24,06/17/24,07/16/24,08/05/24,08/28/24,9/3/24surfaceswarmonlymarginallymorethanthoseabovenaturalturffieldsurfaces,andthatsyntheticfieldsurfacesdonotretainheatoncedaytimeheatingisdiscontinued.Thesedifferencesaresubstantiallyminimizedoncloudydaysanddonotexistonovercastdays”TheNewYorkStateDepartmentofHealth(NYDOH)providesinformationabouthealthandsafetyissuesrelatedspecificallytocrumb-rubberinfilledsyntheticturfonitswebsitelastrevisedinOctober2018viaaFactsheet(https://health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/syntheticturf/crumb-rubberinfilled/factsheet.htm).NYDOHsummarizestheinformationasfollows:studieshavefoundnoconsistentdifferencesininjuryratesbetweennaturalandrubber-infilledsyntheticturf;skincutsandabrasionsmayresultfromcontactwithanyathleticfieldnaturalorsyntheticturf;resultsfromnumerousstudiessuggestthepotentialforchemicalexposuresfromcrumbrubberorsyntheticturfislowbutdoesmentionfurtherstudiesatthefederalgovernmentlevelandCaliforniaareunderwaytofilldatagaps;andthatsurfacetemperaturesoncrumb-rubberinfilledsyntheticturffields“canreachlevelsofdiscomfortandmaycontributetoheatstress.Thiswarrantsconsiderationwhenmakingdecisionsaboutinstallingandusingasyntheticturffield.Whilewateringsyntheticturfmaybrieflyreducesurfacetemperatures,anumberoffactorsmayinfluenceitseffectiveness.Peopleusingthesefieldsshouldbeadvisedtoremainhydratedandtoseekrelieffromtheheatinshadedareas.”NYDOHsitesseveralresearchstudiesincludingoneatBrighamYoungUniversityinUtahinJune2022,UniversityofMissouri,andPennStateUniversityindicatingsyntheticturffieldsabsorbheat,resultinginsurfacetemperaturesmuchhigherthanthesurroundingairtemperatures.Surfacetemperaturesonsyntheticturffieldsrangedfrom117degreestoamaximumof200degreesFahrenheit.TheCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention/AgencyforToxicSubstancesandDiseaseRegistry(CDC/ATSDR)andtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),incollaborationwiththeConsumerProductSafetyCommission(CPSC),launchedamulti-agencyresearcheffortinFebruary2016,entitledFederalResearchActionPlanonRecycledTireCrumbUsedonPlayingFieldsandPlaygrounds(FRAP)tocharacterizepotentialhumanexposurestothesubstancesassociatedwithrecycledtirecrumbrubberusedonsyntheticturffields.TheresearchwasreportedintwopartswithPart1publishedin2019andPart2publishedinApril2024.Thestudyisnotariskassessmentbutaimstobeusefultotheunderstandingofpotentialforhumanexposuretochemicalsfoundinrecycledtirecrumbrubberusedonsyntheticturffields.TheoverallconclusionsfortheplayingfieldsstudyareasfollowsIngeneral,thefindingsfromtheentireplayingfieldsportionoftheFRAPactivities(boththeTireCrumbCharacterizationPartIandtheTireCrumbExposureCharacterizationPart2combined)supporttheconclusionthatalthoughchemicalsarepresent(asexpected)inthetirecrumbrubberandexposurescanoccur,theyorelikelylimited;forexample:Generally,onlysmallamountsofmostorganicchemicalsarereleasedfromtirecrumbrubberintotheairthroughemissions.Formanyanalytesmeasuredduringactiveplayattheoutdoorfields,next-to-fieldconcentrationsinairwerenotdifferentthanbackgroundsampleswhileothersweresomewhathigher.12
CityofIthacaFULLENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENTFORM—PartIIIProjectName:CornellUniversityMeinigFieldhouseIndoorSportsandRecreationFacilityDateCreated:01/30/24Updated02/05/24,02/12/24,05/15/24,06/17/24,07/16/24,08/05/24,08/28/24,9/3/24Formetals,onlysmallfractionsarereleasedfromtirecrumbrubberintosimulatedbiologicalfluids(averagemeanabout3%forgastricfluidand<1%forsalivaandsweatplussebum)comparedtoadefaultassumptionof100%bioaccessibility.•Inthebiomonitoringpilotstudy,concentrationsformetalsmeasuredinbloodweresimilartothoseinthegeneralpopulation.•NodifferencesinPANmetabolitesinurinewereobservedinthesupplementalbiomonitoringstudybetweenstudyparticipantsusingnaturalgrassfieldsandthoseonsyntheticturffieldswithtirecrumbrubberinfill.Currently,therearenofederalorNewYorkstateregulationsforcrumb-rubberinfillorartificialturf,NewYorkStatepassedalaw,Article27,Title33CarpetCollectionProgramEnvironmentalConservation(ENV)CHAPTER43-B,ARTICLE27-NYCarpetEPR(ExtendedProducerResponsibility)LawthatwillgointoeffectonDecember28,2024.ThisNewYorklawestablishesmandatorygoalsforrecyclingandpost-consumercontentinnewcarpet,convenientcollectionstatewide,educationandawareness,specificgoalsforclosed-looprecycling,andthephaseoutofper-andpolyfluoroalkylsubstances(PFAS)fromnewcarpetproduction.Artificialturfisincludedinthelaw.ByDecember31,2026nocarpetofferedforsaleshallcontainorbetreatedwithPFASsubstances,(https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/recycling-composting/carpet)AttheSeptember3,2024CityofIthacaPlanningBoardmeeting,theapplicantsagreedtothirdparttestingtoconfirmtheartificialturftheywillusewillnotcontainorbetreatedwithPEAS.SeeImpactonLandSection.Asaresultofthisinformation,theLeadAgencyhasdeterminednosignificantimpacttohumanhealthisanticipated.CONSISTENCYWITHCOMMUNITYPLANSTheprojectisconsistentwiththeCityofIthaca’sComprehensivePlanasthisbuildingisinsupportofSecondaryEducation.TheprojectsiteislocatedintheU-iZoningDistrictwheretheprimaryuseisPost-SecondaryEducation.TheprojectwillrequirenovarianceswiththeCity.TheprojectsiteisalsolocatedintheLow-DensityResidential(LDR)ZoningDistrictintheTownofIthaca.ThetownofIthacadoesnothaveazonealignedwithHigherEducationorInstitutionaluses,andduetothelimitationsofthelow-densityresidentialzone,CornellneedstoobtainvariancesfornearlyeveryprojectintheTownofIthaca.TheprojectisanallowedusewithaspecialusepermitintheLDRzoneaspartofaninstitutionofhigherlearning.TheprojectwillrequireanareavariancefromtheTownofIthacaZoningBoardsofAppealsastheheightoftheproposedbuildingisapproximately56’fromaveragegradeplanandLDRlimitsbuildingheightto38feetbelowinteriorgradeor36’belowexteriorgrade.Theprojectwillalsorequireanareavarianceforlotcoverageasitaddsapproximately.5acresofbuildingfootprintontheTownofIthacaparcel,67-1-13.2.InamemoaddressedtotheCityPlanningandDevelopmentBoardfromtheTownofIthacaPlanningBoarddatedJuly23,2024,theTownBoardstatesthezoningvariancesarenotexpectedtocreatesignificantadversevisualimpacts,“consideringthat:(a)therearenolocallyorregionallyrecognizedscenicresourcesorvistasthatwillbe13
CityofIthacaFULLENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENTFORM—PartIllProjectName:CornellUniversityMeinigFieldhouseIndoorSportsandRecreationFacilityDateCreated:01/30/24Updated02/05/24,02/12/24,05/15/24,06/17/24,07/16/24,08/05/24,08/28/24,9/3/24impactedbytheproposal,(b}itistypicalforauniversitycampustocontainbuildingsthataretallerthanresidences,and(c}theproposedMeinigFieldhousebuildingwillbesurroundedbymuchtallerstructures;thus,itsheightwillnotbeoutofcharacterwiththeheightofsurroundingstructures.”Asaresultofthisinformation,theLeadAgencyhasdeterminednosignificantimpacttoconsistencywithcommunityplansisanticipated.CONSISTENCYWITHCOMMUNITYCHARACTERTheprojectisasportsfacilitybuilding,withafootprintofapproximately2.1acresandapproximately90,000SFofspacethatwillprovide.Theproposedfacilitywillsupportstudentsandthecampuswithindoorpracticeandcompetitionspaceforathletics,recreationneedsandclubsports.Theproposedbuildingislocatedinapartofcentralcampusthathasseveralathleticfacilitiesandfields,fittinginfunctionallytothesurroundingcharacter.Theproposedbuildingisdesignedto“embracethespiritofoutdoorplayindoors.”Thisisachievedthroughthematerialityoftheproposedbuilding(SitePlanReviewApplicationReport,12/15/23):Themajorityofthebuildingenvelopeiscomposedofinsulatedmetalpanelinstalledhorizontallyanddecreasinginwidthfromthebottomofthefacadetothetop.Themetalpane/finishispairedincontrastwithangledglazedstorefrontateachofthefourcorners.Thelargetriangleshapedglazedopeningsprovideviewsinandoutofthefacilityandincorporatenaturallightintotheactivityspace.Theproposedbuildingwillbeflankedbyathleticfields,withtheproposedartificialmultipurposealumnifieldsituatedtothewestandtheexistingtheKaneSportsComplexFieldsituatedtotheeastofthebuilding.Basedontheinformationprovidedabove,theLeadAgencyhasdeterminednosignificantimpactoncommunitycharacterisanticipated.Preparedby:NikkiCerra,Environmental&LandscapePlannerandrevisedbythePlanningBoard14
FullEnvironmentalAssessmentFormAgencyUseOnly(11appilcabliProject:IcomeaUniversityMeinigFieldhousePart2-IdentjficationofPotentialProjectImpactsDate:105121124Part2istobecompletedbytheleadagency.Part2isdesignedtohelptheleadagencyinventoryallpotentialresourcesthatcouldbeaffectedbyaproposedprojectoraction.Werecognizethattheleadagency’sreviewer(s)willnotnecessarilybeenvironmentalprofessionals.So,thequestionsaredesignedtowalkareviewerthroughtheassessmentprocessbyprovidingaseriesofquestionsthatcanbeansweredustngtheinformationfoundinPart1.TofurtherassisttheleadagencyincompletingPart2,theformidentifiesthemostrelevantquestionsinPart1thatwillprovidetheinformationneededtoanswerthePart2question.WhenPart2iscompleted,theleadagencywillhaveidentifiedtherelevantenvironmentalareasthatmaybeimpactedbytheproposedactivity.IftheleadagencyisastateagencyandtheactionisinanyCoastalArea,completetheCoastalAssessmentFormbeforeproceedingwiththisassessment.TipsforcompletingPart2:•ReviewalloftheinformationprovidedinPart1.•Reviewanyapplication,maps,supportingmaterialsandtheFullEAFWorkbook.•Answereachofthe18questionsinPart2.•Ifyouanswer“Yes”toanumberedquestion,pleasecompleteallthequestionsthatfollowinthatsection.•Ifyouanswer“No”toanumberedquestion,moveontothenextnumberedquestion.•Checkappropriatecolumntoindicatetheanticipatedsizeoftheimpact.•Proposedprojectsthatwouldexceedanumericthresholdcontainedinaquestionshouldresultinthereviewingagencycheckingthebox“Moderatetolargeimpactmayoccur.”•Thereviewerisnotexpectedtobeanexpertinenvironmentalanalysis.•Ifyouarenotsureorundecidedaboutthesizeofanimpact,itmayhelptoreviewthesub-questionsforthegeneralquestionandconsulttheworkbook.•Whenansweringaquestionconsiderallcomponentsoftheproposedactivity,thatis,the“wholeaction”.•Considerthepossibilityforlong-termandcumulativeimpactsaswellasdirectimpacts.•Answerthequestioninareasonablemannerconsideringthescaleandcontextoftheproject.1.ImpactonLandProposedactionmayinvolveconstructionon,orphysicalalterationof,LNOJYESthelandsurfaceoftheproposedsite.(SeePart1.Dl)If“Yes“,answerquestionsa-j.If“No“,moveontoSection2.RelevantNo,orModeratePartIsmalltolargeQuestion(s)impactimpactmaymayoccuroccura.TheproposedactionmayinvolveconstructiononlandwheredepthtowatertableisE2dlessthan3feet.b.Theproposedactionmayinvolveconstructiononslopesof15%orgreater.E2fUc.Theproposedactionmayinvolveconstructiononlandwherebedrockisexposed,orE2aUgenerallywithin5feetofexistinggroundsurface.d.Theproposedactionmayinvolvetheexcavationandremovalofmorethan1,000tonsD2aUofnaturalmaterial.e.TheproposedactionmayinvolveconstructionthatcontinuesformorethanoneyearDieUIllorin_multiple_phases.f.Theproposedactionmayresultinincreasederosion,whetherfromphysicalD2e,D2qUdisturbanceor_vegetation_removal_(including_fromtreatment_by_herbicides).g.Theproposedactionis,ormaybe,locatedwithinaCoastalErosionhazardarea.BliUh.Otherimpacts:Foundationconstruction;artificialturfsub-turfdrainagosystemandconstructionUPage1oflOFEAF2019
2.ImpactonGeologicalFeaturesTheproposedactionmayresultinthemodificationordestructionof,orinhibitaccessto,anyuniqueorunusuallandformsonthesite(e.g.,cliffs,dunes,NOLYESminerals,fossils,caves).(SeePart1.E.2.g)If“Yes“,answerquestionsa-c.If“No“,moveontoSection3.RelevantNo,orModeratePartIsmalltolargeQuestion(s)impactimpactmaymayoccuroccura.Identifythespecificlandfonn(s)attached..E2g00b.TheproposedactionmayaffectorisadjacenttoageoiogicalfeaturelistedasaE3c00registeredNationalNaturalLandmark.Specificfeature:c.Otherimpacts:003.ImpactsonSurfaceWaterTheproposedactionmayaffectoneormorewetlandsorothersurfacewaterENOYESbodies(e.g.,streams,rivers,pondsorlakes).(SeePart1.D.2,E.2.h)If“Yes‘.answerquestionsa-1.If“No‘,moveontoSection4.RelevantNo,orModeratePartIsmalltolargeQuestion(s)impactimpactmaypmayoccuroccura.Theproposedactionmaycreateanewwaterbody.D2b.DlhCb.Theproposedactionmayresultinanincreaseordecreaseofover10%ormorethanaD2bC10acreincreaseordecreaseinthesurfaceareaofanybodyofwater.c.Theproposedactionmayinvolvedredgingmorethan100cubicyardsofmaterialD2aCfromawetlandorwaterbody.d.TheproposedactionmayinvolveconstructionwithinoradjoiningafreshwaterorE2hCtidalwetland,orinthebedorbanksofany_otherwater_body.e.Theproposedactionmaycreateturbidityinawaterbody,eitherfromuplanderosion.D2a,D2hCrunofforbydisturbingbottomsediments.ITheproposedactionmayincludeconstructionofoneormoreintake(s)forwithdrawalD2cCofwaterfromsurfacewater.g.Theproposedactionmayincludeconstructionofoneormoreoutfall(s)fordischargeD2d0Cofwastewatertosurfiscewater(s).h.Theproposedactionmaycausesoilerosion,orotherwisecreateasourceofD2eCstormwaterdischargethatmayleadtosiltationorotherdegradationofreceivingwaterbodies.i.TheproposedactionmayaffectthewaterqualityofanywaterbodieswithinorE2h121Cdownstreamofthesiteoftheproposedaction.j.Theproposedactionmayinvolvetheapp]icationofpesticidesorherbicidesinorD2q,E2hCaroundanywaterbody.k,Theproposedactionmayreqturetheconstructionofnew,orexpansionofexisting.DIa,D2dCwastewatertreatmentfacilities.Page2oflO
I.Otherimpacts:U4.ImpactongroundwaterTheproposedactionmayresultinneworadditionaluseofgroundwater,orNODYESmayhavethepotentialtointroducecontaminantstogroundwateroranaquifer.(SeePart1.D.2.a,D.2.c,D.2.d,D.2.p,D.2.q,D.2.t)If‘Yes“,answerquestionsa-h.If“No“,moveontoSection5.RelevantNo,orModeratePartIsmalltolargeQuestion(s)impactimpactmaymayoccuroccura.Theproposedactionmayrequirenewwatersupplywells,orcreateadditionaldemandD2cDDonsuppliesfromexistingwatersupplywells.b.WatersupplydemandfromtheproposedactionmayexceedsafeandsustainableD2cDwithdrawalcapacityrateofthelocalsupplyoraquifer.CiteSource:c.TheproposedactionmayalloworresultinresidentialusesinareaswithoutwaterandDla,D2cDDsewerservices.d.Theproposedactionmayincludeorrequirewastewaterdischargedtogroundwater.D2d,£21e.TheproposedactionmayresultintheconstructionofwatersupplywellsinlocationsD2c,Elf,DDwheregroundwateris,orissuspectedtobe,contaminated.Elg,ElhfTheproposedactionmayrequirethebulkstorageofpetroleumorchemicalproductsD2p,E2lUUovergroundwateroranaquifer.g.Theproposedactionmayinvolvethecommercialapplicationofpesticideswithin100E2h,D2q,UUfeetofpotabledrinkingwaterorirrigationsources.E21,D2ch.Otherimpacts:5.ImpactonFloodingTheproposedactionmayresultindevelopmentonlandssubjecttoflooding.DNOYES(SeePart1.E.2)if‘Yes“,answerquestionsa-g.If“No“,moveontoSection6.RelevantNo,orModerate.PartIsmalltolargeQuestion(s)impactimpactmay.mayoccuroccura.Theproposedactionmayresultindevelopmentinadesignatedfloodway.E2iIZIUb.Theproposedactionmayresultindevelopmentwithina100yearfloodplain.E2jUc.Theproposedactionmayresultindevelopmentwithina500yearfloodplain.E2k121Dd.Theproposedactionmayresultin,orrequire,modificationofexistingdrainageD2b,D2eQpattems.e.Theproposedactionmaychangefloodwaterflowsthatcontributetoflooding.D2b,E2i,CE2j,_E2kf.Ifthereisadamlocatedonthesiteoftheproposedaction,isthedaminneedofrepair,Ele0Cor_upgrade?Page3oflO
g.Otherimpacts:Additionalimpervioussurfacesareproposedtoincreaseby3.3acres6.ImpactsonAirTheproposedactionmayincludeastateregulatedairemissionsource.DNOYES(SeePartI.D.2.f.,D.2.h,D.2.g)frYes‘,answerquestionsa-fIf”No”,moveontoSection7.RelevantNo,orModeratePartIsmalltolargeQuestion(s)impactimpactmaymayoccuroccura.Iftheproposedactionrequiresfederalorstateairemissionpermits,theactionmayalsoemitoneormoregreenhousegasesatorabovethefollowinglevels:i.Morethan1000Ions/yearofcarbondioxide(CC2)02gCii.Morethan3.5tons/yearofnitrousoxide(N20)D2gUiii.Morethan1000tons/yearofcarbonequivalentofperfluorocarbons(PFCs)D2gCiv.Morethan.045tons/yearofsulfurhexafluoride(SF6)D2gCv.Morethan1000tons/yearofcarbondioxideequivalentofD2ghydrochloroflourocarbons(HFCs)emissionsvi.43tons/yearormoreofmethaneD2hCb.Thepioposedactionmaygenerate10tons/yearormoreofanyonedesignatedD2gChazardousairpollutant,or25tons/yearormoreofanycombinationofsuchhazardousair_pollutants.c.Theproposedactionmayrequireastateairregistration,ormayproduceanemissionsD2f,D2gCrateoftotalcontaminantsthatmayexceed5lbs.perhour,ormayincludeaheatsourcecapableofproducingmorethan10millionBTU’sperhour.d.Theproposedactionmayreach50°zbofanyofthethresholdsin“a”through“c”,D2gCabove.e.Theproposedactionmayresultinthecombustionorthermaltreatmentofmorethan1D2sCtoriofrefuseperhour.f.Otherimpacts:ConstructionimpactsC7.ImpactonPlantsandAnimalsTheproposedactionmayresultinalossoffloraorfauna.(SeePailI.E.2.m.-q.)NOflYESIf“Yes‘,answerquestionsa-j.If“No‘,moveontoSection8.RelevantNo,orModeratePartIsmalltolarge.Question(s)impactimpactmay.mayoccuroccura.TheproposedactionmaycausereductioninpopulationorlossofindividualsofanyE2oUUthreatenedorendangeredspecies,aslistedbyNewYorkStateortheFederalgovernment,thatusethesite,orarefoundon,over,ornearthesite.b.TheproposedactionmayresultinareductionordegradationofanyhabitatusedbyE2o0Elanyrare,threatenedorendangeredspecies,aslistedbyNewYorkStateorthefederalgovernment.c.Theproposedactionmaycausereductioninpopulation,orlossofindividuals,ofanyE2p0nspeciesofspecialconcernorconservationneed,aslistedbyNewYorkStateortheFederalgovernment,thatusethesite,orarefoundon,over,ornearthesite.d.TheproposedactionmayresultinareductionordegradationofanyhabitatusedbyE2pElCanyspeciesofspecialconcernandconservationneed,aslistedbyNewYorkStateortheFederalgovernment.Page4oflO
e.TheproposedactionmaydiminishthecapacityofaregisteredNationalNaturalE3cCULandmark_to_support_the_biological_community_it_was_established_to_protect.f.Theproposedactionmayresultintheremovalof,orgrounddisturbancein,anyE2nUUportionofadesignatedsignificantnaturalcommunity.Source:g.Theproposedactionmaysubstantiallyinterferewithnesting/breeding,foraging,orE2iUover-winteringhabitatforthepredominantspeciesthatoccupyorusetheprojectsite.h.Theproposedactionrequirestheconversionofmorethan10acresofforest,ElbUUgrasslandoranyotherregionallyorlocallyimportanthabitat.Habitattype&informationsource:i.Proposedaction(commercial,industrialorrecreationalprojects,only)involvesuseofD2qUDherbicidesorpesticides.j.Otherimpacts:uu8.ImpactonAgriculturalResourcesTheproposedactionmayimpactagriculturalresources.(SeePart1.E.3.a.andb.)NOUYESIf“Yes“,answerquestionsa-h.If“No“,moveontoSection9.RelevantNo,orModeratePartIsmalltolargeQuestion(s)impactimpactmaymayoccuroccura.Theproposedactionmayimpactsoilclassifiedwithinsoilgroup1through4oftheE2c,E3bCUNYS_Land_Classification_System.b.Theproposedactionmaysever,crossorotherwiselimitaccesstoagriculturallandEla,FibUU(includes_cropland,_hayfields,_pasture,_vineyard,_orchard,_etc).c.TheproposedactionmayresultintheexcavationorcompactionofthesoilprofileofE3bUUactiveagriculturalland.d.Theproposedactionmayirreversiblyconvertagriculturallandtonon-agriculturalElb,E3aUUuses,eithermorethan2.5acresiflocatedinanAgriculturalDistrict,ormorethan10acresifnotwithinanAgriculturalDistrict.e.TheproposedactionmaydisruptorpreventinstallationofanagriculturallandEla,ElbUUmanagement_system.f.Theproposedactionmayresult,directlyorindirectly,inincreaseddevelopmentC2c,C3,UUpotentialorpressureonfarmland.D2c,D2dg.TheproposedprojectisnotconsistentwiththeadoptedmunicipalFarmlandC2cUCProtectionPlan.h.Otherimpacts:UU-sOcJ,&‘$:v1zik-j4,-Page5oflO..j-,,
9.ImpactonAestheticResourcesThelanduseoftheproposedactionarcobviouslydifferentfrom,orareinNODYESsharpcontrastto,currentlandusepatternsbetweentheproposedprojectandascenicoraestheticresource.(Part1.E.l.a.E.1.b,E.3.h.)IfYes“,answerquestionsa-g.If‘No“,gotoSection10.RelevantNo,orModeratePartIsmalltolargeQuestion(s)impactimpactmaymayoccuroccura.Proposedactionmaybevisiblefromanyofficiallydesignatedfederal,state,orlocalFE3hn0scenicoraestheticresource.b.Theproposedactionmayresultintheobstruction,eliminationorsignificantE3h,C2bnDscrceningofoneormoreofficiallydesignatedscenicviews.c.Theproposedactionmaybevisiblefrompubliclyaccessiblevantagepoints:E3hi.Seasonally(e.g.,screenedbysummerfoliage,hutvisibleduringotherseasons)00ii.Yearround00d.ThesituationoractivityinwhichviewersareengagedwhileviewingtheproposedE3hactionis:E2q,i.Routinetravelbyresidents,includingtraveltoandfromworknnii.RecreationalortourismbasedactivitiesElce.TheproposedactionmaycauseadiminishmentofthepublicenjoymentandE3h00appreciationofthedesignatedaestheticresourcef.TherearesimilarprojectsvisiblewithinthefollowingdistanceoftheproposedDIa,Ela,00project:DIf,DIg0-1/2mile/2-3mile3-5mile5+milegOtherimpacts:0010.ImpactonHistoricandArcheologicalResourcesTheproposedactionmayoccurinoradjacenttoahistoricorarchaeologicalNOEYESresource.(Part1.E.3.e,f.andg.)If“Yes“,answerquestionsa-e.if‘No“.gotoSectionII.IRelevantNo,orModeratePartIsmalltolarge.Question(s)impactimpactmay.--....ImayoccucrMra.Theproposedactionmayoccurwhollyorpartiallywithin,orsubstantiallycontiguousto,anybuildings,archaeologicalsiteordistrictwhichislistedontheNationalorE3en0StateRegisterofHistoricalPlaces,orthathasbeendetenninedbytheCommissioneroftheNYSOfficeofParks,RecreationandHistoricPreservationtobeeligibleforlisting_on_the_State_Register_ofHistoric_Places.b.Theproposedactionmayoccurwhollyorpartiallywithin,orsubstantiallycontiguousE3f00to,anareadesignatedassensitiveforarchaeologicalsitesontheNYStaleHistoricPreservationOffice_(SHPO)_archaeological_site_inventory.c.Theproposedactionmayoccurwhollyorpartiallywithin,orsubstantiallycontiguousE3g00to,anarchaeologicalsitenotincludedontheNYSHPOinventory.Source:Page6of10
d.Otherimpacts:-CCIfanyoftheabove(a-d)areanswered“Moderatetolargeimpactmaye.occur”,continuewiththefollowingquestionstohelpsupportconclusionsinPart3:i.TheproposedactionmayresultinthedestructionoralterationofallorpartE3e,E3g,00ofthesiteorproperty.E3fii.Theproposedactionmayresultinthealterationoftheproperty’ssettingorE3e,E3f,integrity.E3g,Ela,FIbiii.TheproposedactionmayresultintheintroductionofvisualelementswhichE3e,E3f,uuareoutofcharacterwiththesiteorproperty,ormayalteritssetting.F3g,E3h,C2,C311.ImpactonOpenSpaceandRecreationTheproposedactionmayresultinalossofrecreationalopportunitiesoraNOEYESreductionofanopenspaceresourceasdesignatedinanyadoptedmunicipalopenspaceplan.(SeePartI.C.2.c,E.l.c.,E.2.q.)If“Yes“,answerquestionsa-e.If“No“,gotoSection12.RelevantNo,orModcratcPartIsmalltolargeQuestion(s)impactimpactmaymayoccuroccura.Theproposedactionmayresultinanimpairmentofnaturalfunctions,or“ecosystemD2e,Elb0Cservices”,providedbyanundevelopedarea,includingbutnotlimitedtostormwaterE2h,storage,nutrientcycling,wildlifehabitat.E2m,E2o,E2n,E2pb.Theproposedactionmayresultinthelossofacurrentorfuturerecreationalresource.C2a,Elc,00C2c,E2qc.TheproposedactionmayeliminateopenspaceorrecreationalresourceinanareaC2a,C2cC0withfewsuchresources.Elc,E2qd.TheproposedactionmayresultinlossofanareanowusedinformallybytheC2c,Elc00communityasanopenspaceresource.e.Otherimpacts:0012.ImpactonCriticalEnvironmentalAreasTheproposedactionmaybelocatedwithinoradjacenttoacriticalNOYESenvironmentalarea(CEA).(SeePart1.E.3.d)If“Yes“,answerquestionsa-c.If“No“,gotoSection13.RelevantNo,orModeratePartIsmalltolargeQuestion(s)impactimpactmaymayoccuroccura.TheproposedactionmayresultinareductioninthequantityoftheresourceorE3d00characteristicwhichwasthebasisfordesignationoftheCEA.b.TheproposedactionmayresultinareductioninthequalityoftheresourceorE3d00characteristicwhichwasthebasisfordesignationoftheCEA.c.Otherimpacts:00Page7of10
13.ImpactonTransportationTheproposedactionmayresultinachangetoexistingtransportationsystems.NODYES(SeePart1.D.2.j)If‘Yes_“,_answer_questions_a-f._If_“No“,_go_to_Section14.RelevantNo,orModeratePartIsmalltolargeQuestion(s)impactimpactmaymayoccuroccura.Proec1edtrafficincreasemayexceedcapacityofexistingroadnetwork.D2j00b.Theproposedactionmayresultintheconstructionofpavedparkingareafor500orD2j00morevehicLes.c.Theproposedactionwilldegradeexistingtransitaccess.D2j00d.Theproposedactionwilldegradeexistingpedestrianorbicycleaccommodations.D2j00e.Theproposedactionmayalterthepresentpatternofmovementofpeopleorgoods.D2j0I0f.Otherimpacts:C014.ImpactonEnergyTheproposedactionmaycauseanincreaseintheuseofanyformofenergy.NODYES(SeePart1.D.2.k)If”Y€_“,_answer_questions_a-e._If_“No_“,_go_toSection15.RelevantNo,orModeratePartIsmalltolargeQuestion(s)impactimpactmaymayoccuroccura.Theproposedactionwillrequireanew,oranupgradetoanexisting,substation.D2k0Cb.TheproposedactionwillrequirethecreationorextensionofanenergytransmissionDIf,90orsupplysystemtoservemorethan50singleortwo-familyresidencesortoserveaDlq,D2kcommercialorindustrialuse.c.Theproposedactionmayutilizemorethan2.500MWhrsperyearofelectricity.D2kCCd.Theproposedactionmayinvolveheatingand/orcoolingofmorethan100.000squareDlgCCfeetofbuildingareawhencompleted.e.OtherImpacts:15.ImpactonNoise,Odor,andLightTheproposedactionmayresultinanincreaseinnoise,odors,oroutdoorlighting.ENODYES(SeePart1.D.2.m.,n.,ando.)If‘Yes“,answerquestionsa-,fIf“No“,gotoSection16..RelevantNo,orModeratePartIsmalltolargeQuestion(s)impactimpactmaymayoccuroccura.TheproposedactionmayproducesoundabovenoiselevelsestablishedbylocalD2m00regulation.b.Theproposedactionmayresultinblastingwithin1,500feetofanyresidence,D2m,EldChospital,school,licenseddaycarecenter,ornursinghome.c.Theproposedactionmayresultinroutineodorsformorethanonehourperday.D2oCPage8of10
d.Theproposedactionmayresultinlightshiningontoadjoiningproperties.D2nEle.Theproposedactionmayresultinlightingcreatingsky-glowbrighterthanexistingD2n,ElaElareaconditions.f.Otherimpacts:ConstructionimpactsEl16.ImpactonHumanHealthTheproposedactionmayhaveanimpactonhumanhealthfromexposureNOElYEStoneworexistingsourcesofcontaminants.(SeePart1.D.2.q.,El.d.f.g.andh.)If‘Yes“,answerquestionsa-in.If“NogotoSec/ion17..RelevantNo,orModeratePartIsmalltolargeQuestion(s)impactimpactmaymaycccuroccura.Theproposedactionislocatedwithin1500feetofaschool,hospital,licenseddayEldUUcare_center,_group_home,_nursing_home_or_retirement_community.h.Thesiteoftheproposedactioniscurrentlyundergoingremediation.Elg,Elh00c.Thereisacompletedemergencyspillremediation,oracompletedenvironmentalsiteElg,Elh00remediationon,oradjacentto,thesiteoftheproposedaction.d.ThesiteoftheactionissubjecttoaninstitutionalcontrollimitingtheuseoftheElg,Elh00property_(e.g.,_easementordeed_restriction).e.TheproposedactionmayaffectinstitutionalcontrolmeasuresthatwereputinplaceElg,Elh00toensurethatthesiteremainsprotectiveoftheenvironmentandhumanhealth.f.TheproposedactionhasadequatecontrolmeasuresinplacetoensurethatfutureD2tUUgeneration,treatmentand/ordisposalofhazardouswasteswillbeprotectiveoftheenvironmentandhumanhealth.g.TheproposedactioninvolvesconstructionormodificationofasolidwasteD2q,ElfUUmanagement_facility.h.Theproposedactionmayresultintheunearthingofsolidorhazardouswaste.D2q,ElfU0i.Theproposedactionmayresultinanincreaseintherateofdisposal,orprocessing,ofD2r,D2sUUsolidwaste.j.Theproposedactionmayresultinexcavationorotherdisturbancewithin2000feetofElf,ElgU0asiteusedforthedisposalofsolidorhazardouswaste.Elhk.TheproposedactionmayresultinthemigrationofexplosivegasesfromalandfillElf,ElgUUsitetoadjacentoffsitestructures.1.TheproposedactionmayresultinthereleaseofcontaminatedleachatefromtheD2s,Elf,UUprojectsite.D2rm.Otherimpacts:Page9oflO
17.ConsistencywithCommunityPlansTheproposedactionisnotconsistentwithadoptedlanduseplans.NODYES(SeePart1.Cl,C.2.andC.3.)If“Yes“,answerquestionsa-h.IJ“No”,gotoSection18.RelevantNo,orModeratePartIsmalltolargeQuestion(s)impactimpactmaymayoccuroccura.Theproposedaction’slandusecomponentsmaybedifferentfrom,orinshamC2,C3,DIaUUcontrastto.currentsurroundinglandusepattern(s).Ela,Bibb.Theproposedactionwillcausethepermanentpopulationofthecity,townorvillageC2CUinwhichtheprojectislocatedtogrowbymorethan50/c.Theproposedactionisinconsistentwithlocallanduseplansorzoningregulations.C2,C2,C3Und.TheproposedactionisinconsistentwithanyCottntyplans,orotherregionallanduseC2,C2UUplans.e.TheproposedactionmaycauseachangeinthedensityofdevelopmentthatisnotC3,DIc,UUsupportedbyexistinginfrastructureorisdistantfromexistinginfrastructure.Did,Dlf,Did,Elbf.TheproposedactionislocatedinanareacharacterizedbylowdensitydevelopmentC4,D2c,D2dUUthatwillrequireneworexpandedpublicinfrastructure.D23g.Theproposedactionmayinducesecondarydevelopmentimpacts(e.g.,residentialorC2aUUcommercialdevelopmentnotincludedintheproposedaction)h.Other:0018.ConsistencywithCommunityCharacterTheproposedprojectisinconsistentwiththeexistingcommunitycharacter.NODYES(SeePart1.C.2,C.3,D.2,E.3)If“Yes”,answerquestionsa-g.If“No“,proceedtoPart3.RelevantNo,orModeratePartIsmalltolargeQuestion(s)impactimpactmaymayoccuroccura.Theproposedactionmayreplaceoreliminateexistingfacilities,structures,orareasE3e,E3f,E3gUUofhtscoricimportancetothecommunity.b.Theproposedactionmaycreateademandforadditionalcommunityservices(e.g.C4UUschools,_police_andfire)c.Theproposedactionmaydisplaceaffordableorlow-incomehousinginanareawhereC2.C3,DlfUCthereisashortageofsuchhousing.Dlg,Elad.TheproposedactionmayinterferewiththeuseorenjoymentofofficiallyrecognizedC2,E3UUordesignatedpublicresources.e.TheproposedactionisinconsistentwiththepredominantarchitecturalscaleandC2,C3UUcharacter.f.Proposedactionisinconsistentwiththecharacteroftheexistingnaturailandscape.C2,C3UUEla,BIbE2g,E2hg.Otherimpacts:00PRINTFULLFORMPage10of10
FullEnvironmentalAssessmentFormPart1-ProjectandSettingInstructionsforCompletingPart1Part1istobecompletedbytheapplicantorprojectsponsor.Responsesbecomepartoftheapplicationforapprovalorfunding,aresubjecttopublicreview,andmaybesubjecttofurtherverification.CompletePail1basedoninfonnationcurrentlyavailable.Ifadditionalresearchorinvestigationwouldbeneededtofullyrespondtoanyitem,pleaseanswerasthoroughlyaspossiblebasedoncurrentinfonnation;indicatewhethermissinginformationdoesnotexist,orisnotreasonablyavailabletothesponsor;and,whenpossible,generallydescribeworkorstudieswhichwouldbenecessarytoupdateorhillydevelopthatinformation.Applicants/sponsorsmustcompleteallitemsinSectionsA&B.InSectionsC,D&B,mostitemscontainaninitialquestionthatmustbeansweredeither“Yes”or“No”.Iftheanswertotheinitialquestionis“Yes”,completethesub-questionsthatfollow.Iftheanswertotheinitialquestionis“No”,proceedtothenextquestion.SectionFallowstheprojectsponsortoidenti’andattachanyadditionalinformation.SectionGrequiresthenameandsignatureoftheapplicantorprojectsponsortoverifythattheinformationcontainedinPartlisaccurateandcomplete.A.ProjectandApplicant/SponsorInformation.NameofActionorProject:CornellUniversityMeinigFieldhouseProjectLocation(describe,andattachagenerallocationmap):RobisonAlumniFields-239TowerRoad,Ithaca,NY14850;TompkinsCounty;CityParcel500700-31-1-1.2;TownParcel503089-67-1-13.2BriefDescriptionofProposedAction(includepurposeorneed):CornellUniversityisproposingtoconstructtheMeinigFieldhouse,anindoorsportsandrecreationcenterthatwillsupportstudentsandcampuswithmuch-neededindoorpracticeandcompetitionspaceforathletics,clubsports,andrecreationneeds.Theprojectsiteisonthecentralcampus,intheareacurrentlyoccupiedbyRobisonAlumniFields,withTowerRoadtothenorth,RobertJ.KaneSportsComplexFieldtotheeast,andWeillHalltothewest.Theproposedfacilitywillenableyear-roundpracticespaceandplayformanyfieldsports,andlimitedcompetitionforNCMlacrosseinearlyspringmonths.Thefacilitywillbea90,000squarefootbuildingthatis56’feettall.Cornell’sexistingMarshaDodsonFieldHockeypitchwillberelocatedtothewest,providingthefieldhockeyathleteswithanewsyntheticturffield.NameofApplicant/Sponsor:Telephone:607.221.1400KimberlyMichaelsE-Mail:kam@twmIaAddress:1001W.SenecaStreet,Suite201City/PO:IthacaState:NYZipCode:14850ProjectContact(ifnotsameassponsor;givenameandtitle/role):Telephone:607.255.2478ElisabeteGodden,ProjectManager.E-Mail:egoddentcornell.eduAddress:102HumphreysServiceBuildingCity/PC:State:ZipCode:IthacaNY14853PropertyOwner(ifnotsameassponsor):Telephone:CornellUniversityE-Mail:Address:City/PO:State:ZipCode:Page1of13FEAF2019
B.GovernmentApprovalsB.GovernmentApprovals,Funding,orSponsorship.(“Funding”includesgrants,loans,taxrelief,andanyotherformsoffinancialassistance.)GovernmentEntityIfYes:IdentifyAgencyandApproval(s)ApplicationDateRequired(Actualorprojected)a.CityCounsel,TownBoard.YcsNoorVillageBoardofTrusteesb.City,TownorVillageYesDNoCityofIthacaPlanningBoard(SQRandSPR),Winter2024PlanningBoardorCommissionTownofIthacaPB(SEQR,SpecialPermit.SPR)c.City,TownorYesQNoTownofthacaZoningBoard(HeightVarianceWinter2024VillageZoningBoardofAppealsandLotCoverage)d.OtherlocalagenciesYesQNoCityofIthacaMS4:SWPPPAcceptance,TownofWinterSSpring2024IthacaMS4:SWPPPAcceptancee.CountyagenciesYesQNoTompkinscountyPlanningtGML239Review).TompkinscountyWinter-Spring2024HealthDepartment(backtlowpreventiondeviceapproval)f.RegionalagenciesDYesØNog.StateagenciesIYesQNoNYSDECforSWPPPWinter-Spring2024It,FederalagenciesCYesJNoi.CoastalResources.I.IstheprojectsuewithinaCoastalArea,orthewaterfrontareaofaDesignatedInlandWaterway?OYesNoii.IstheprojectsitelocatedinacommunitywithanapprovedLocalWaterfrontRevitalizationProgram?CYesNoiii.IstheprojectsitewithinaCoastalErosionHazardArea?0YesNoC.PlanningandZoningC.1.Planningandzoningactions.Willadministrativeorlegislativeadoption,oramendmentofaplan,locallaw,ordinance,ruleorregulationbe(lie0YesNoonlyapproval(s)whichmustbegrantedtoenabletheproposedactiontoproceed?•IfYes,completesectionsC,FandG.•IfNo,proceedtoquestionC.2andcompleteallremainingsectionsandquestionsinPanIC.2.Adoptedlanduseplans.a.Doanymunicipally-adopted(city,town,villageorcounty)comprehensivelanduseplan(s)includethesiteYes0Nowheretheproposedactionwouldbelocated?IfYes,doesthecomprehensiveplanincludespecificrecommendationsforthesitewheretheproposedaction0YesNowouldhelocated?b.Isthesiteoftheproposedactionwithinanylocalorregionalspecialplarmingdistrict(forexample:Greenway;0YesNoBrownfieldOpportunilyArea(BOA);designatedStateorFederalheritagearea;watershedmanagementplan;orother?)IfYes,identifytheplan(s):c.Istheproposedactionlocatedwhollyorpartiallywithinanarealistedinanadoptedmunicipalopenspaceplan,OYesØNoorartadoptedmunicipalfarmlandprotectionplan?IfYes,identi’theplan(s):Page2of13
CJ.Zoninga.IsthesiteoftheproposedactionlocatedinamunicipalitywithanadoptedzoningLaworordinance.YesQNoIfYes,whatisthezoningclassification(s)includinganyapplicableoverlaydistrict?Town-LDR.LowDensityResidentialCity-Ui,Universityb.Istheusepermittedorallowedbyaspecialorconditionalusepermit?YesDNoc.isazoningchangerequestedaspartoftheproposedaction?DYesNoIfYes,I.Whatistheproposednewzoningforthesite?______________________________________________________________________________CA.Existingcommunityservices.a.inwhatschooldistrictistheprojectsitelocated?IthacaCitySchoolDistiictb.WhatpoLiceorotherpubLicprotectionforcesservetheprojectsite?CornellUniversityPolice,IthacaPolicec.Whichfireprotectionandemergencymedicalservicesservetheprojectsite?CornellUniversityFireandLifeSafety,IthacaFireDepartmentStation2,CornellUniversityEmergencyMedicalServiced.Whatparksservetheprojectsitc?Therearemultiplegreenspaceareasnearby,includingCornellBotanicGardens,MinnsGarden.RockwellAzaleaGarden,LibeSlope,andothergreenSpatesoilt.dPIlpUs.D.ProjectDetailsD.1.ProposedandPotentialDevelopmenta,Whatisthegeneralnatureoftheproposedaction(e.g.,residential,industrial,commercial,recreational;ifmixed,includeallcomponents)?Institutional,recreationalb.a.Totalacreageofthesiteoftheproposedaction?7.3acresb.Totalacreagetobephysicallydisturbed?7.3acresc.Totalacreage(projectsiteandanycontiguousproperties)ownedorcontrolledbytheapplicantorprojectsponsor?7.3acresc.Istheproposedactionanexpansionofanexistingprojectoruse?CYesNoi.IfYes,whatistheapproximatepercentageoftheproposedexpansionandidentifytheunits(e.g.,acres,miles,housingunits,squarefeet)’?%_________________________Units:__________________________d.Istheproposedactionasubdivision,ordoesitincludeasubdivision?CYesNoIfYes,i.Purposeortypeofsubdivision?(e.g.,residential,industrial,commercial;ifmixed,specifytypes)/t.Isacluster/conservationlayoutproposed?DYesQNoiii.Numberoflotsproposed?__________iv.Minimumandmaximumproposcdlotsizes?Minimum___________Maximum_______e.Willtheproposedactionbeconstructedinmultiplephases?CYesNoi.IfNo,anticipatedperiodofconstruction:16monthsii.IfYes:•Totalnumberofphasesanticipated______•AnticipatedcommencementdateofphaseI(includingdemolition)______month______year•Anticipatedcompletiondateoffinalphase_____month_____year•Generallydescribeconnectionsorrelationshipsamongphases,includinganycontingencieswhereprogressofonephasemaydeterminetimingordurationofffiturephases:____________________________________________________________________Page3of13
f.Doestheprojectincludenewresidentialuses’?DYesZNoIfYes,shownumbersofunitsproposed.OneErnjlTwoFamilyThreeFamilyMultipleFamily(gormore)InitialPhase_________________________________________________________________Atcompletionofallphases____________________________________________________________g.Doestheproposedactionincludenewnon-residentialconstruction(includingexpansions)?YesDNoIfYes.i.Totalnumberofstructures1ii.Dimensions(infeet)oflargestproposedstructure:56ftheight;382ftwidth;and224Itlengthiii.Approximatecxtentofbuildingspacetobeheatedorcooled:Fr+1-90,289;C:+1-446squarefeeth.DoestheproposedactionincludeconstructionorotheractivitiesthaiwillresultintheimpoundmentofanyDYesNoliquids,suchascreationofawatersupply,reservoir,pond,lake,wastelagoonorotherstorage?IfYes,IPurposeoftheimpoundment:______________________________________________________________________________________ii.Ifawaterimpoundment,theprincipalsourceofthewater:QGroundwaterSurfacewaterstreamsQOtherspecify:iii.Ifotherthanwater,identtt’thetypeofimpounded/containedliquidsandtheirsource.iv.Approximatesizeoftheproposedimpoundment.Volume:_____________milliongallons;stirfacearea:________acresv.Dimensionsoftheproposeddamorimpoundingstructure:_________height;_______lengthvi.Constructionmethod/materialsfortheproposeddamorimpoundingstructure(e.g.,earthfill,rock,wood,concrete):D.2.ProjectOperationsa.Doestheproposedactionincludeanyexcavation,mining,ordredging,duringconstruction,operations,orboth?ØYesDNo(Notincludinggeneralsitepreparation,gradingorinstallationofutilitiesorfoundationswhereallexcavatedmaterialswillremainonsite)IfYes:iWhatisthepurposeoftheexcavationordredging?Buildingfoundationsii.I-lowmuchmaterial(includingrock,earth,sediments,etc.)isproposedtoberemovedfromthesite?•Volume(speci’tonsorcubicyards):0•Overwhatdurationoftime?_________________________________________________________iii.Describenatureandcharacteristicsofmaterialstobeexcavatedordredged,andplanstouse,manageordisposeofthem.Excavatedmaterialswillremainonsite.Iv.Willtherebeonsitedewateringorprocessingofexcavatedmaterials?QYesNoIfyes,describe.i.Whatisthetotalareatobedredgedorexcavated?_________________________________________acresvi.Whatisthemaximumareatobeworkedatanyonetime?___________________________________acresiiiWhatwouldbethemaximumdepthofexcavationordredging?___________________________fcetviii.Willtheexcavationrequireblasting?UYesNoix.Summarizesitereclamationgoalsandplan:-b.Wouldtheproposedacttoncauseorresultinalterationof,increaseordecreaseinsizeof,orencroachmentIJYesNointoanyexistingwetland,waterbody,shoreline,beachoradjacentarea?IfYes:i.Identifythewetlandorwaterbodywhichwouldbeaffected(byname,waterindexnumber,wetlandmapnumberorgeographicdescription):Page4of13
II,Describehowtheproposedactionwouldaffectthatwaterbodyorwetland,eg.excavation,fill,placementofstructures,oraherationofchannels,banksandshorelines.Indicateextentofactivities,alterationsandadditionsinsquarefeetoracres:iii.Willtheproposedactioncauseorresultindisturbancetobottomsediments?CYesØNoIfYes,describe:iv.Willtheproposedactioncauseorresultinthedestructionorremovalofaquaticvegetation?CYesNoIfYes;•acresofaquaticvegetationproposedtoberemoved:_______________________________________________________________•expectedacreageofaquaticvegetationremainingafterprojectcompletion:___________________________________________•purposeofproposedremoval(e.g.beachclearing,invasivespeciescontrol,boataccess):_________________________________•proposedmethodofplantremoval:________________________________________________________________________•ifchemical/herbicidetreatmentwillbeused,speci&product(s):_____________________________________________________v.Describeanyproposedreclamation/mitigationfollowingdisturbance:_________________________________________________________c.Willtheproposedactionuse,orcreateanewdemandforwater?IYesQNoIfYes:i.Totalanticipatedwaterusage/demandperday:3,600gallons/dayii.Willtheproposedactionobtainwaterfromanexistingpublicwatersupply?lYesQNoIfYes:•Nameofdistrictorservicearea:CornellUniversityWaterSystem(NYSDECPermit#:7-5030-00008l00007)•Doestheexistingpublicwatersupplyhavecapacitytoservetheproposal?YesQNo•Istheprojectsiteintheexistingdistrict?YesNo•Isexpansionofthedistrictneeded?CYesNo•Doexistinglinesservetheprojectsite?‘YesCNoiii.Willlineextensionwithinanexistingdistrictbenecessarytosupplytheproject?YcsQNoIfYes:•Describeextensionsorcapacityexpansionsproposedtoservethisproject:_______________________________________________Anew10”HDPEwatermainwillbeconnectedtotheexistinghighpressuresystemlocatedalongTowerRd.andextendedtothebuilding.•Source(s)ofsupplyforthedistrict:FallCreekviatheCornellUniversityWaterFiltrationPlantiv.Isanewwatersupplydistrictorserviceareaproposedtobeformedtoservetheprojectsite?CYesNoIf,Yes:•Applicant/sponsorfornewdistrict:______________________________________________________________________•Dateapplicationsubmittedoranticipated:_____________________________________________________________________________•Proposedsource(s)ofsupplyfornewdistrict:____________________________________________________________________v.Ifapublicwatersupplywillnotbeused,describeplanstoprovidewatersupplyfortheproject:_____________________________Apublicwatersupplywillusedfortheproposedproject.vi.Ifwatersupplywillbefromwells(publicorprivate),whatisthemaximumpumpingcapacity:________gallons/minute.d.Willtheproposedactiongenerateliquidwastes?YescINoIfYes:i.Totalanticipatedliquidwastegenerationperday:3,600gallons/dayii.Natureofliquidwastestobegenerated(e.g.,sanitarywastewater,industrial;ifcombination,describeallcomponentsandapproximatevolumesorproportionsofeach):__________________________________________________________________Domesticwastewateronly.iii.Willtheproposedactionuseanyexistingpublicwastewatertreatmentfacilities?ØYesQNoIfYes:•Nameofwastewatertreatmentplanttobeused:IthacaAreaWasteWaterTreatmentFacility(IATF)•Nameofdistrict:IthacaAreaWasteWaterServiceArea•Doestheexistingwastewatertreatmentplanthavecapacitytoservetheproject?YesDNo•Istheprojectsiteintheexistingdistrict?YescJNo•Isexpansionofthedistrictneeded?QYesNoPage5of13
•Doexistingsewerlinesservetheprojectsite?YesNo•Willalineextensionwithinanexistingdistrictbenecessarytoservetheproject?YesQNdIfYes:•Describeextensionsorcapacityexpansionsproposedtoservethisproject:__________________________________________SanitarysewagefromtheproposedbuildingwillbeliftedtotheUniversitygravitysanitarysewersystemalongCampusRdbymeansofaduplexgrinderpumpstationthroughanewpolyethyleneforcemain.iv.Willanewwastewaler(sewage)treatmentdistrictbeformedtoservetheprojectsite?DYesJNoIfYes:•Applicant/sponsorfornewdistrict:_____________________________________________________________________________•Dateapplicationsubmittedoranticipated:________________________________________________________________________________•Whatisthereceivingwaterforthewastewaterdischarge?__________________________________________________________v.ifpublicfacilitieswillnotbeused,describeplanstoprovidewastewatertreatmentfortheproject,includingspeci’ingproposedreceivingwater(nameandclassificationifsurfacedischargeordescribesubsurfacedisposalplans):vi.Describeanyplansordesignstocapture,recycleorreuseliquidwaste:__________________________________________________________e.Willtheproposedactiondisturbmorethanoneacreandcreatestormwaterrunoff,eitherfromnewpointIYesflNosources(i.e.ditches,pipes,swales,curbs,guttersorotherconcentratedflowsofstormwater)ornon-pointsource(i.e.sheetflow)duringconstructionorpostconstruction?IfYes:1.flowmuchimpervioussurfacewilltheprojectcreateinrelationtototalsizeofprojectparcel?______Squarefeetor3.3acres(impervioussurface)______Squarefeetor7.3acres(parcelsize)ii.Describetypesofnewpointsources.Buildingroofdrainagesystem,swales,athleticfieldunderdrainsiii.V/herewillthestormwaterrunoffbedirected(i.e.on-sitestormwatermanagementfacility/structures,adjacentproperties,groundwater,on-sitesurfacewateroroff-sitesurfacewaters)?Runoffwillbecollectedviaasystemofon-sitedrainageinlets,swains,andunderdrains;thendirectedtoaseriesofbelowgradedetentionfacilitiesandgreeninfrastructurepracticeswithdischargeconnechonstoexistingsewersystems.Existingdrainagepatternsandrateswillbemaintained.•Iftosurfacewaters,identifyreceivingwaterbodiesorwetlands:_________________________________________N/A•Willstormwaterrunoffflowtoadjacentproperties?QYesNoiv.Doestheproposedplanminimizeimpervioussurfaces,useperviousmaterialsorcollectandre-usestormwater?DYesNof.Doestheproposedactionthclude,orwillituseon-site,oneormoresourcesofairemissions,includingfuelØYesflNocombustion,wasteincineration,orotherprocessesoroperations?IfYes,identil5’:i.Mobilesourcesduringprojectoperations(e.g.,heavyequipment,fleetordeliveryvehicles)Noneduringoperations.Duringconstruction:earth-movingequipment,trucks,materialhandlers,cranes,andboomlifts.ii.Stationarysourcesduringconstruction(e.g.,powergeneration,structuralheating,batchplant,crushers)Noneanticipated.iii.Stationarysourcesduringoperations(e.g.,processemissions,largeboilers,electricgeneration)None.g.WillanyairemissionsourcesnamedinD.2.f(above),reqtiireaNYStateAirRegistration.AirFacilityPermit,QYesNoorFederalCleanAirActTitleIVorTitleVPemiit?IfYes:LIstheprojectsitelocatedinanAirqualitynon-attainmentarea?(ArearoutinelyorperiodicallyfailstomeetDYesDNoambientairqualitystandardsforallorsomepartsoftheyear)ii.Inadditiontoemissionsascalculatedintheapplication,theprojectwillgenerate:•___________Tons/year(shorttons)ofCarbonDioxide(C02)•_____________Tons/year(shorttons)ofNitrousOxide(N20)•____________Tons/year(shorttons)ofPerfluorocarbons(PFCs)•____________Tons/year(shorttons)ofSulfurHexafluoride(SF6)•____________Tons/year(shorttons)ofCarbonDioxideequivalentofHydroflourocarbons(HFCs)•____________Tons/year(shorttons)ofHazardousAirPollutants(HAPs)Page6of13
h.Willtheproposedactiongenerateoremitmethane(including,butnotlimitedto,sewagetreatmentplants,EYesØNolSndfills,compostingfacilities)?IfYes:i.Estimatemethanegenerationintons/year(metric):___________________________________________________________________________ii.Describeanymethanecapture,controloreliminationmeasuresincludedinprojectdesign(e.g.,combustiontogenerateheatorelectricity,flaring):i.Willtheproposedactionresultinthcreleaseofairpollutantsfromopen-airoperationsorprocesses,suchasQYesjNoquarryorlandfilloperations?IfYes:Describeoperationsandnatureofemissions(e.g.,dieselexhaust,rockparticulates/dust):j.WilltheproposedactionresultinasubstantialincreaseintrafficabovepresentlevelsorgeneratesubstantialQYesNonewdemandfortransportationfacilitiesorservices?IfYes:i.Whenisthepeaktrafficexpected(Checkallthatapply):CMorningUEveningQWeekendoRandomlybetweenhoursof___________to_________ii.Forcommercialactivitiesonly,projectednumberoftrucktrips/dayandtype(e.g.,semitrailersanddumptrucks):Parkingspaces:ExistingProposedNetincrease/decreaseDoestheproposedactionincludeanyshareduseparking?YesIftheproposedactionincludesanymodificationofexistingroads,creationofnewroadsorchangeinexistingaccess,describe:vLArepublic/privatetransportationservice(s)orfacilitiesavailablewithin‘/2mileoftheproposedsite?YesQNoviiWilltheproposedactionincludeaccesstopublictransportationoraccommodationsforuseofhybrid,electricYesQNoorotheralternativefueledvehicles?viii.WilltheproposedactionincludeplansforpedestrianorbicycleaccommodationsforconnectionstoexistingØYesQNopedestrianorbicycleroutes?k.Willtheproposedaction(forcommercialorindustrialprojectsonly)generateneworadditionaldemandQYesQNoforenergy?NotapplicableIfYes:LEstimateannualelectricitydemandduringoperationoftheproposedaction:________________________________________________ii.Anticipatedsources/suppliersofelectricityfortheproject(e.g.,on-sitecombustion,on-siterenewable,viagrid/localutility,orother):iii.Willtheproposedactionrequireanew,oranupgrade,toanexistingsubstation?DYesUNoI.Hoursofoperation.Answerallitemswhichapply.i.DuringConstruction:ii.DuringOperations:•Monday-Friday:7AM-7PM•Monday-Friday:24/7(hoursvarybyprogramming)•Saturday:7AM-7PM•Saturday:24/7(hoursvarybyprogramming).Sunday:7AM-7PM•Sunday:24/7(hoursvarybyprogramming)Holidays:7AM-7PM•Holidays:24/7(hoursvarybyprogramming)Page7of13
m.Willtheproposedactionproducenoisethatwillexceedexistingambientnoiselevelsduringconstruction,YesQNooperation,orboth?Ifyes:i.Providedetailsincludingsouices,timeofdayandduration:Duringconstructiononly.Rockremovalusinghydraulichammersmountedonexcavatorswilloccurifneeded.II.Willtheproposedactionremoveexistingnaturalbarriersthatcouldactasanoisebarrierorscreen?DYesØNoDescribe:11.Willtheproposedactionhaveoutdoorlighting?YesQNoIfyes:i.Describesource(s),location(s),heightoffixture(s),direction/aim,andproximitytonearestoccupiedstructures:SeeattachedNarrativeii.Willproposedactionremoveexistingnaturalbarriersthatcouldactasalightbarrierorscreen?DYesØNoDescribe:o.Doestheproposedactionhavethepotentialtoproduceodorsformorethanonehourperday?DYesNoIfYes,describepossiblesources,potentialfrequencyanddurationofodoremissions,andproximitytonearestoccupiedstructures:p.Willtheproposedactionincludeanybulkstorageofpetroleum(combinedcapacityofover1,100gallons)QYesNoorchemicalproducts185gallonsinabovegroundstorageoranyamountinundergroundstorage?IfYes:i.Product(s)tobestoredII.Volume(s)________perunittime______________(e.g..month,year)III.Generally,describetheproposedstoragefacilities:__________________________________________________________________________q.Willtheproposedaction(commercial,industrialandrecreationalprojectsonly)usepesticides(ic..herbicides,DYesNoinsecticides)duringconstructionoroperation?IfYes:i.Describeproposedtreatment(s):ii.WilltheproposedactionuseIntegratedPestManagementPractices?QYesQNor.Willtheproposedaction(commercialorindustrialprojectsonly)involveorrequirethemanagementordisposalQYesQNoofsolidwaste(excludinghazardousmaterials)?NotapplicableIfYes:i.Describeanysolidwaste(s)tobegeneratedduringconstructionoroperationofthefacility:•Construction:_________________tonsper_______________(unitoftime)•Operation:_____________________tonsper______________(unitoftime)II.Describeanyproposalsforon-siteminimization,recyclingorreuseofmaterialstoavoiddisposalassolidwaste:•Construction:•Operation:Iii.Proposeddisposalmethods/facilitiesforsolidwastegeneratedon-site:•Construction:•Operation:Page8of13
s.Doestheproposedactionincludeconstructionormodificationofasolidwastemanagementfacility?QYesNoIfYes:i.Typeofmanagementorhandlingofwasteproposedforthesite(e.g.,recyclingortransferstation,composting,landfill,orotherdisposalactivities):ii.Anticipatedrateofdisposal/processing:•Tons/month,iftransferorothernon-combustion/thermaltreatment,or•_________Tons/hour,ifcombustionorthermaltreatmentlitIflandfill,anticipatedsitelife:__________________________________yearst.Willtheproposedactionatthesiteinvolvethecommercialgeneration,treatment,storage,ordisposalofhazardousQYesNowaste?IfYes:i.Name(s)ofallhazardouswastesorconstituentstobegenerated,handledormanagedatfacility:__________________________ii.Generallydescribeprocessesoractivitiesinvolvinghazardouswastesorconstituents:______________________________________iii.Specifyamounttobehandledorgenerated______tons/monthiv.Describeanyproposalsforon-siteminimization,recyclingorreuseofhazardousconstituents:___________________________v.Willanyhazardouswastesbedisposedatanexistingoffsitehazardouswastefacility?.OYesflNoIfYes:providenameandlocationoffacility:_________________________________________________________________________IfNo:describeproposedmanagementofanyhazardouswasteswhichwillnotbesenttoahazardouswastefacility:E.SiteandSettingofProposedActionE.1.Landusesonandsurroundingtheprojectsitea.Existinglanduses.i.Checkallusesthatoccuron,adjoiningandneartheprojectsite.UUrbanflIndustrialflCommercialQResidential(suburban)LIRural(non-farm)ForestLiAgricultureUAquaticOther(specif):UniversityCampusii.Ifmixofuses,generallydescribe:b.Landusesandcovertypesontheprojectsite.LanduseorCurrentAcreageAfterChangeCovertypeAcreageProjectCompletion(Acres+/-)•Roads,buildings,andotherpavedorimpervioussurfaces2.35.6+3.3•Forestedooo•Meadows,grasslandsorbrushlands(nonagricultural,includingabandonedagricultural)000•Agricultural(includesactiveorchards,_field,_greenhouse_etc.)•Surfacewaterfeatures(lakes,ponds,streams,rivers,etc.)00•Wetlands(freshwaterortidal)000•Non-vegetated(barerock,earthorfill)ooo•OtherDescribe:LawnandNaturalTurfSportsFields51.7-3.3Page9of13
c.Istheprojectsitepresentlyusedbymembersofthecommunityforpublicrecreation?flYesNoi.IfYes:explain:d.Arethereanyfacilitiesservingchildren,theelderly,peoplewithdisabilities(e.g.,schools,hospitals,licensedEYesNodaycarecenters,orgrouphomes)within1500feetoftheprojectsite?IfYes,IIdenti1’Facilities:e.Doestheprojectsitecontainanexistingdarn?UYesNoIfYes:i.Dimensionsofthedamandimpoundment:•Darnheight:___________________________________feet•Darnlength:______________________________________feet•Surfacearea:__________________________________________acres•Volumeimpounded:____________________________________gallonsORacre-feetii.Darn’sexistinghazardclassification:______________________________________________________________________________hi.Providedateandsummarizeresultsoflastinspection:f.Hastheprojectsiteeverbeenusedasamunicipal,commercialorindustrialsolidwastemanagementfacility,QYesØNoordoestheprojectsiteadjoinpropertywhichisnow,orwasatonetime,usedasasolidwastemanagementfacility?IfYes:I.Hasthefacilitybeenformallyclosed?QyesDNo•Ifyes,citesources/documentation:____________________________________________________________________________ii.Describethelocationoftheprojectsiterelativetotheboundariesofthesolidwastemanagementfacility:iii.Describeanydevelopmentconstraintsduetothepriorsolidwasteactivities:_____________________________________________________g.Havehazardouswastesbeengenerated,treatedand/ordisposedofatthesite,ordoestheprojectsiteadjoinQYesNopropertywhichisnoworwasatonetimeusedtocommerciallytreat,storeand/ordisposeofhazardouswaste?IfYes:i.Describewaste(s)handledandwastemanagementactivities,includingapproximatetimewhenactivitiesoccurred:h.Potentialcontaminationhistory.Hastherebeenareportedspillattheproposedprojectsite,orhaveanyDYesNoremedialactionsbeenconductedatoradjacenttotheproposedsite’?IfYes:IIsanyportionofthesitelistedontheNYSDECSpillsIncidentsdatabaseorEnvironmentalSiteUYesDNoRemediationdatabase?Checkallthatapply:oYes—SpillsIncidentsdatabaseProvideDECIDnumber(s):_____________________________________0Yes—EnvironmentalSiteRemediationdatabaseProvideDECIDnumber(s):_____________________________________oNeitherdatabaseii.IfsitehasbeensubjectofRCRAcorrectiveactivities,describecontrolmeasures:__________________________________________hi.Istheprojectwithin2000feetofanysiteintheNYSDECEnvironmentalSiteRemediationdatabase?OYesNoIfyes,provideDECIDnumber(s):______________________________________________________________________________iv.lfyesto(i)(ii)or(iii)above,describecurrentstatusofsite(s):TheEAFMappermayidentifyseveralsitesbuttheyarealllocatedmorethan2000feetfromtheprojectsiteandarehydraulicallydownciradient.PagelOofl3
i.IstheprojectsitesubjecttoanInstitutionalcontrollimitingpropertyuses?CYesNo•Ifyes,DECsiteIDnumber:__________________________________________________________________________________•Describethetypeofinstitutionalcontrol(e.g.,deedrestrictionoreasement):_____________________________________•Describeanyuselimitations:_______________________________________________________________________________________•Describeanyengineeringcontrols:___________________________________________________________________________________•Willtheprojectaffecttheinstitutionalorengineeringcontrolsinplace?DYesQNo•Explain:E.2.NaturalResourcesOnorNearProjectSitea.Whatistheaveragedepthtobedrockontheprojectsite?>24feetb.Aretherebedrockoutcroppingsontheprojectsite?DYesINoIiYes,whatproportionofthesiteiscomprisedofbedrockoutcroppings?___________________c.Predominantsoiltype(s)presentonprojectsite:Brownsiftandclay(0-20ftdepth)100%_________________________%_________________________________________________%d.Whatistheaveragedepthtothewatertableontheprojectsite’?Average:>24feete.DrainagestatusofprojectsitesoiIs:XVeIIDrained:100%ofsiteUModeratelyWellDrained:_____%ofsitePoorlyDrained_____%ofsite1.Approximateproportionofproposedactionsirewithslopes:0-10%:100%ofsiteE10-15%:_____%ofsiteQ15%orgreater:______%ofsiteg.Arethereanyuniquegeologicfeaturesontheprojectsite?DYesNoIfYes,describe:h.Surfacewaterfeatures.IDoesanyportionoftheprojectsitecontainwetlandsorotherwaterbodies(includingstreams,rivers,UYes1Nopondsorlakes)?ii.Doanywetlandsorotherwaterbodiesadjointheprojectsite?UYesNoIfYestoeitheriorii,continue.IfNo.skiptoE.2.i.iii.Areanyofthewetlandsorwaterbodieswithinoradjoiningtheprojectsiteregulatedbyanyfederal,DYesONostateorlocalagency?ivForeachidentifiedregulatedwetlandandwaterbodyontheprojectsite,providethefollowinginformation:•Streams:NameClassification_____________________________•LakesorPonds:Name___________________________________________________Classification___________________________•Wetlands:Name___________________________________________________ApproximateSize______________________•WetlandNo.(ifregulatedbyDEC)_______________________________i’.Areanyoftheabovewaterbodieslistedinthemostrecentcompi]ationofNYSwaterquality-impairedDYesQNowaterbodies?Ifyes,nameofimpairedwaterbody/bodiesandbasisforlistingasimpaired:_____________________________________________________i.IstheprojectsiteinadesignatedFloodway?QYesØNoj.Istheprojectsiteinthe100-yearFloodplain?QYesØNok.Istheprojectsiteinthe500-yearFloodplain?QYesINoI.Istheprojectsitelocatedover,orimmediatelyadjoining,aprimary,principalorsolesourceaquifer?QYesNoIfYes:INameofaquifer:Page11of13
m.Identifythepredominantwildlifespeciesthatoccupyorusetheprojectsite:___________________________________WildlifecommontodevelopedurbanandMatingpairofred-tailedhawksnestonasuburbanareas,lightpoleonsite.n.Doestheprojectsitecontainadesignatedsignificantnaturalcommunity?QYesØNoIfYes:i.Describethehabitat/community(composition,ftnction,andbasisfordesignation):___________________________________________ii.Source(s)ofdescriptionorevaluation:____________________________________________________________________________________iii.ExtentofcommunityJhabttat:•Currently:____________________________acres•Followingcompletionofprojectasproposed:_______________________acres•Gainorloss(indicate+or-):__________________________acreso.DoesprojectsitecontainanyspeciesofplantoranimalthatislistedbythefederalgovernmentorNYSasYcsNoendangeredorthreatened,ordoesitcontainanyareasidentifiedashabitatforanendangeredorthreatenedspecies?IfYcs:I.Speciesandlisting(endangcrcdorthreatened):____________________________________________________________________________________________LakesturgeonandRusty-patchedBumblebeearelistedinEAFMapperreport,however,theexistingsiteisasportsfieldandthereforeinhospitabletoeitherofthesespecies.p.DoestheprojectsitecontainanyspeciesofplanioranimalthatislistedbyNYSasrare,orasaspeciesofDYesØNospecialconcern?IfYes:I.Speciesandlisting:q.Istheprojectsiteoradjoiningareacurrentlyusedforhunting,trapping,fishingorshellfishing?QYesNoIfyes,giveabriefdescriptionofhowtheproposedactionmayaffectthatuse:______________________________________________11.3.DesignatedPublicResourcesOnorNearProjectSitea.Istheprojectsite,oranyportionofit,locatedinadesignatedagriculturaldistrictcertifiedpursuanttoYesNoAgricultureandMarketsLaw,Article25-AA,Section303and304?IfYes,providecountyplusdistrictname/number:___________________________________________________________________________b.Areagriculturallandsconsistingofhighlyproductivesoilspresent?DYesNo1.IfYes:acreage(s)onprojectsite?_______________________________________________________________________________________________ii.Source(s)ofsoilrating(s):c.Doestheprojectsitecontainallorpartof,orisitsubstantiallycontiguousto.aregisteredNationalDYesØNoNaturalLandmark?IfYes:i.Natureofthenaturallandmark:flBiologicalCommunityQGeologicalFeatureii.Providebriefdescriptionoflandmark,includingvaluesbehinddesignationandapproximatesize/extent:____________________d.IstheprojectsitelocatedinordoesitadjoinastatelistedCriticalEnvironmentalArea?CYesNoIfYes:i.CEAname:ii.Basisfordesignation:iii.Designatingagencyanddate:___________________________________________________________________________________________Page12of13
e.Doestheprojectsitecontain,orisitsubstantiallycontiguousto,abuilding,archaeologicalsite,ordistrictLIYesØNo*hichislistedontheNationalorStateRegisterofHistoricPlaces,orthathasbeendeterminedbytheCommissioneroftheNYSOfficeofParks,RecreationandHistoricPreservationtobeeligibleforlistingontheStateRegisterofHistoricPlaces?IfYes:i.Natureofhistoric/archaeologicalresource:CArchaeologicalSiteDI-listoricBuildingorDistrictii.Name:III.Briefdescriptionofattributesonwhichlistingisbased:IIstheprojectsite,oranyportionofit,locatedinoradjacenttoanareadesignatedassensitiveforflYesNoarchaeologicalsitesontheNYStateHistoricPreservationOffice(SHPO)archaeologicalsiteinventory?g.Haveadditionalarchaeologicalorhistoricsite(s)orresourcesbeenidentifiedontheprojectsite?QYesNoIfYes:i.Describepossibleresource(s):ii.Basisforidentification:Ii.Istheprojectsitewithinfivesmilesofanyofficiallydesignatedandpubliclyaccessiblefederal,state,orLocalYesØNoscenicoraestheticresource?IfYes:i,Identifyresource:ii.Natureof.orbasisfor,designation(e.g.establishedhighwayoverlook,stateorlocalpark,statehistorictrailorscenicbyway,etc.):iii.Distancebetweenprojectandresource:__________________________miles.i.IstheprojectsitelocatedwithinadesignatedrivercorridorundertheWild,ScenicandRecreationalRiversQYesNoProgram6NYCRR666?IfYes:i.Identifythenameoftheriveranditsdesignation:_____________________________________________________________________ii.Istheactivityconsistentwithdevelopmentrestrictionscontainedin6NYCRRPart666?flYesQNoF.AdditionalInformationAttachanyadditionalinformationwhichmaybeneededtoclarifyyourproject.Ifyouhaveidentifiedanyadverseimpactswhichcouldbeassociatedwithyourproposal,pleasedescribethoseimpactsplusanymeasureswhichyouproposetoavoidorminimizethem.C.VerificationIcertifythattheinformationprovidedistruetothebestofmyknowledge.Applicant/SponsorNameKimberlyMichaelsDateDecember15.2023Signature.TitleDirectorofLandscapeArchitecturcIPRINTFORMPagel3ofl3
APPROVEDRESOLUTIONCityofIthacaPlanning&DevelopmentBoardS/CEQRNegativeDeclarationMeinigFieldhouse-IndoorSports&RecCenter239TowerRdSeptember3,2024WHEREAS:theCityofIthacaPlanningandDevelopmentBoardhasonependingapplicationforsiteplanapprovalforanindoorsportsandrecreationcenterlocatedat239TowerRdbyKimberlyMichacis,TrowbridgeWolfMichaels,aFisherAssociatesLandscapeArchitectureStudio,andWHEREAS:theapplicantproposestoconstructtheMeinigFieldhouse.anindoorsportsandrecreatioTicenterofapproximately90,000SFontheexistingRohisonAlumniFieldswhichiscomposedofnaturalgrassandartificialturffields,sidewalks,spectatorviewingareas,andparkinglots.TheMeinigFieldhousewillaccommodateafieldthatwillbeprogrammedtosupportNCAArequirementsforwomenandmenlacrossecompetitions;avarsitysoccerpitchand/orvarsityfootballfieldforpractices;andthefacilitywillhostcampusrecreation,club,andintramuralsportteams.Theproposedbuildingwillalsoincludeamechanicalroom,restrooms,atrainingroom,andstorageonthegroundfloor;twoteamrooms,restrooms.anareaforelevatedfilmingandmechanicalspacesonthesecondlevelmezzanineaccessiblebybothstairsandelevator;andoneachlevelanareaforalimitednumberofspectators.Theprojectislocatedincentralcampusandthelimitofdisturbanceisproposedlobeapproximatcly7acresintotal,with5.8acresintheCityand1.2acresintheTownofIthaca.TheprojectsiteislocatedintheU-IZoningDistnctintheCityofIthacaandwillrequirenovariancesandislocatedintheLow-DensityResidentialZoningDistrictuttheTownofIthacaandwillrequirevariancesinthetown,andWHEREAS:thisisaTypeIActiontindertheCityofIthacaEnvironmentalQualityReviewOrdinance§176-4B.l(h).(n),and8(a),andtheStateEnvironmentalQualityReviewAct(“SEQRA’)§617.4b.(11)andissubjecttoenvironmentalreview,andWHEREAS:NYSDepartmentofEnvironmentalConservation,TompkinsCountyDepartmentofHealth,CityofIthaca,TompkinsCountyDepartmentofPlanningandSustainability,andTownofIthaca,allpotentiallyinvolvedagenctesinthisaction,haveconsentedtothePlanningBoardactingasLeadAgencyforthisproject,andWHEREAS:theCityofIthacaPlanningandDevelopmentBoard,beingthelocalagencywhichhasprimaiyresponsibilityforapprovingandfindingorcanyingouttheaction,didonJanuary23.2024declareitselfLeadAgencyinEnvironmentalReviewfortheproject.andWHEREAS:thePlanningBoard,actingasLeadAgencyinEnvironmentalReview,didonSeptember3.2022,reviewandacceptasadequate:aFullEnvironmentalAssessmentForm(FEAF).PartI,submittedbytheapplicant,andParts2and3preparedbyPlanningstaff:IndoorSportsandRecreationCenter&Multi-PurposeFieldPacket(26ppCl00-L8-11)dated04/19/24andpreparedbyProjectConsultantsincludingSasakiArchitect+LandscapeArchitect,T.G.Miller,P.C.,Lemessurier.RFSEngineering,1-loweEngineers:VehicleTrackingSn.Ldy(2pp)preparedbyaboveconsultantsanddated03/20/23;Sevendiagramsdated04/I9/24andpreparedbyTWLAAFisherAssociatesLandscapeArchitectureStudio;andotherapplicationmaterials,andWHEREAS:intercstedpartieshavebeengiventheopportunitytocommentontheproposedproject,andanyreceivedcommentshavebeenconsidered,now,therefore,beltRESOLVED:That,pertherequirementsoutlinedin6NYCRRPart617.3(g)oftheNewYorkStateEnvironmentalQualityReviewAct,thesegtnentationoftheabove-referencedactionfromfuturephasesofdevelopmentiswarranted,giventhat:
1.CityofIthacaPlanningBoardapprovaloftheproposedMeinigFieldhousedoesnotconmittheTownofIthacatoapproveanyofthedevelopmentofafieldhockeyfieldassociatedwiththepropertyonGameFarmRoadintheTownofIthaca;2.Astheproposeddevelopmentofthefieldhockeyfieldislocatedentirelyinthetown,theTownofIthacawillestablishitselfasLeadAgencyforthisaction;and3.SegmentationoftheenvironmentalreviewforthenewMeinigfieldhouseintheCityofIthacaandTownofIthacafromtheenvironmentalreviewforanyfuturedevelopmentofthefieldhockeyfieldintheTownofIthacawillnotbelessprotectiveoftheenvironment,becausetheconstructionanduseofafieldhouseintheCityofIthacaincentralcampusdoesnotsharecommonenvironmentalimpactswiththeconstructionanduseofanewfieldhockeyfieldoveroneandhalfmilesawayoffofcentralcampusintheTownofIthacaintermsoftraffic,noise,lighting,visual,stomwater,utilitiesandotherimpacts.ANDBEITFURTHERRESOLVED:thattheCityPlanningBoarddetermined,aselaboratedintheFEAFPart3,thattheproposedprojectwillresultinnosignificantadverseimpactsontheenvironmentandaNegativeDeclarationforpurposesofArticle8oftheEnvironmentalConservationLawbeissuedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofPart617ofSEQRA.Movedby:KhourySecondedby:RolimanInfavor:Roliman,Khoury,Sutchffc,PetrinaAgainst:NoneAbstain:GoddenAbsent:CorreaVacancies:One
APPROVEDRESOLUTIONCityofIthacaPlanning&DevelopmentBoardDeclarationofLeadAgencyMeinigFieldhouse-IndoorSports&RecCenter239TowerRdJanuary23.2024WHEREAS:6NYCRRPan617oftheStateEnvironmentalQualityReviewLawandChapter176.6oftheCityCode,EnvironmentalQualityReview,requirethataleadagencybeestablishedforconductingenvironmentalreviewofprojectsinaccordancewithlocalandstateenvironmentallaw,andWHEREAS:StaleLawspecificsthatforactionsgovernedbylocalenvironmentalreview,theleadagencyshallbethatlocalagencywhichhasprimaryresponsibilityforapprovingaridfundingorcarryingouttheaction,andWHEREAS:theCityofIthacaPlanningandDevelopmentBoardhasonependingapplicationforsiteplanapprovalforanindoorsportsandrecreationcenterlocatedat239TowerRdbyKimberlyMichaels,TrowbridgeWolfMichaels,aFisherAssociatesLandscapeArchitectureStudio,andWHEREAS:theapplicantproposestoconstructtheMeinigFieldhouse,anindoorsportsandrecreationcenterofapproximately90.000SFontheexistingRobisonAlumniFieldswhichiscomposedofnaturalgrassandartificialturffields,sidewalks,spectatorviewingareas,andparkinglots.TheMeinigFieldhousewillaccommodateafieldthatwillbeprogrammedtosupportNCAArequirementsforwomenandmenlacrossecompetitions;avarsitysoccerpitchand/orvarsityfootballfieldforpractices;andthefacilitywillhostcampusrecreation,club,andintramuralsportteams.Theproposedbuildingwillalsoincludeamechanicalroom,restrooms.atrainingroom,andstorageonthegroundfloor;twoteamrooms,restrooms,anareaforelevatedfilmingandmechanicalspacesonthesecondlevelmezzanineaccessiblebybothstairsandelevator;andoneachlevelanareaforalimitednumberofspectators.Theprojectislocatedincentralcampusandthelimitofdisturbanceisproposedtobeapproximately7acresintotal,with5.8acresintheCityand1.2acresintheTownofIthaca.TheprojectsiteislocatedintheU-IZoningDistrictintheCityofIthacaandwillrequirenovariancesandislocatedintheLow-DensityResidentialZoningDistrictintheTownofIthacaandwillrequirevariancesinthetown,andWHEREAS:thisisaTypeIActionunderIheCityofIthacaEnvironmentalQualityReviewOrdinance§176-4B.1(b),(n),and8(a),andtheStateEnvironmentalQualityReviewAct(“SEQRA”)§617.4b.(II)andissubjecttoenvironmentalreview,andWHEREAS:NYSDepartmentofEnvironmentalConservation,TompkinsCountyDepartmentofHealth,CityofIthaca,TompkinsCountyDepartmentofPlanningandSustainability.andTownofIthaca,allpotentiallyinvolvedagenciesinthisaction,haveconsentedtothePlanningBoardactingasLeadAgencyforthisproject,now,thereforebeitRESOLVED:thattheCityofIthacaPlanningandDevelopmentBoarddoes,bywayofthisresolution,declareitselfLeadAgencyinEnvironmentalRevicwfortheproposedproject.Movedby:PetrinaSecondedby:CoiTeaInFavor:Petrina,Correa,Khoury,GlassAgainst:NoneAbstain:GoddenAbsent:NoneVacancies:Two
Cornell University
Indoor Sports & Recreation
Center and Sports Field
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
Volume I. Narrative
City of Ithaca, Town of Ithaca
Tompkins County, New York
Prepared for:
Cornell University
102 Humphreys Service Building
Ithaca, New York 14853
Prepared by:
T.G. Miller P.C.
605 West State Street, Suite A
Ithaca, New York 14850
(607) 272-6477
September 9, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROJECT INFORMATION 1
PROJECT NAME AND DESCRIPTION 1
OPERATOR’S NAME AND ADDRESS 1
PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1
PURPOSE AND EXTENT OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 1
PROJECT DISTURBANCE AREA 1
DESCRIPTION AND LIMITATIONS OF ON-SITE SOILS 2
HISTORIC PLACES 2
WETLANDS 2
NAME OF RECEIVING WATERS 2
FLOODPLAINS 2
SEQUENCE OF MAJOR ACTIVITIES 2
POST-CONSTRUCTION STORMWATER MANAGEMENT 3
EXISTING CONDITIONS 3
FUTURE CONDITIONS 4
WATER QUALITY CONTROLS 4
RUNOFF REDUCTION VOLUME 5
CHANNEL PROTECTION 6
WATER QUANTITY CONTROLS 6
PRACTICE SIZING 7
BIORETENTION FILTER 7
UNDERGROUND STORMWATER CHAMBERS 8
UNDERGROUND SAND FILTER 8
HYDRODYNAMIC SEPARATOR UNIT 9
PRACTICE SUMMARY 10
STORMWATER SIGNAGE 10
BETTER SITE DESIGN 10
BIORETENTION/RAIN GARDENS 10
ROOFTOP RUNOFF REDUCTION MITIGATION 10
SOIL RESTORATION 11
CONTROLS 12
EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROLS 12
STABILIZATION PRACTICES 12
WINTER STABILIZATION 12
STRUCTURAL PRACTICES 13
OTHER CONTROLS 13
WASTE DISPOSAL 13
SANITARY WASTE 14
OFF-SITE VEHICLE TRACKING 14
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES AND HAZARDOUS WASTE 14
CONTAMINATED SOILS 15
MAINTENANCE/INSPECTION PROCEDURES 15
EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PRACTICES 15
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE REPORT FORMS 16
OTHER RECORD-KEEPING REQUIREMENTS 16
POST-CONSTRUCTION MAINTENANCE 16
SPILL PREVENTION CONTROL AND COUNTERMEASURES (SPCC) PLAN 17
MATERIALS COVERED 17
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING 18
HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS 18
PRODUCT SPECIFIC PRACTICES 18
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS 18
FERTILIZERS 18
PAINTS, PAINT SOLVENTS, AND CLEANING SOLVENTS 18
SPILL PREVENTION PRACTICES 19
CONTROL OF ALLOWABLE NON-STORMWATER DISCHARGES 19
COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL REGULATIONS 20
CERTIFICATION AND NOTIFICATION 20
OPERATOR’S CERTIFICATION 20
ENGINEER’S CERTIFICATION ON COMPLIANCES WITH FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL
REGULATIONS:21
SWPPP FORMS
MS4 ACCEPTANCE FORM
OWNER/OPERATOR CERTIFICATION FORM
SWPPP PREPARER CERTIFICATION FORM
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMETAL CONSERVATION NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI)
CONTRACTOR AND INSPECTION FORMS
CONTRACTOR CERTIFICATION LOG FORM 1
CONTRACTOR/SUBCONTRACTOR CERTIFICATION FORM 2
STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN INSPECTION REPORT FORM 3
MODIFICATION REPORT FORM 4
PROJECT RAINFALL LOG FORM 5
RECORD OF STABILIZATION AND CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES FORM 6
FIGURES
EXISTING WATERSHED BOUNDARIES SHEET 1 OF 3
PROPOSED WATERSHED BOUNDARIES SHEET 2 OF 3
POINT OF ANALYSIS LOCATION MAP SHEET 3 OF 3
CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS
LEGEND AND NOTES C100
EXISTING CONDITIONS PLAN C101
ESC PLAN-CONSTRUCTION PHASE C102A
ESC PLAN-STABILIZATION PHASE C102B
DEMOLITION PLAN C103
UTILITY PLAN C104
DRAINAGE PLAN C105
DETAILS C201
DETAILS C202
DETAILS C203
PROFILE C301
GRADING PLAN L4-01
PLANTING PLAN L5-01
PLANTING SCHEDULE L5-02
CU Indoor Sports & Recreation Center and Sports Field DRAFT Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
T.G. Miller, P.C.1.September 9, 2024
PROJECT INFORMATION
Project Name and Description
Cornell University Indoor Sports & Recreation Center and Sports Field
313 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
City of Ithaca, Town of Ithaca
Tompkins County, New York
Operator’s Name and Address
Cornell University
c/o Elisabete Godden
102 Humphreys Service Building
Ithaca, NY 14853
(607) 255-2478
egodden@cornell.edu
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Purpose and Extent of Proposed Development
The Cornell University Indoor Sports & Recreation Center and Sports Field (ISRC) project is located
in both the City and Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York (Tax Map Parcel 31.-1-1.2). The
project includes the construction of a 90,000 square foot field house that will provide an indoor space
for use by Cornell’s athletic teams and students. Also, a new multi-purpose sports field will be
constructed for use by the University’s athletics department. Additionally, amenities such as fire access
roads, walkways, and landscape areas will also be constructed as part of the development.
The stormwater management objectives focus on controlling erosion and sedimentation during
construction and treatment of runoff from the post-developed site. As a non-residential property
disturbing greater than one acre of land, a “Full” Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is
required, including both erosion controls and permanent stormwater management practices under the
regulations of the City of Ithaca, Town of Ithaca, and New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC). Stormwater management objectives for the site include:
•Providing water quality treatment by means of bioretention filters, below grade detention systems
with sand filters, and hydrodynamic separator.
•Providing stormwater detention to meet DEC standards for the 1-, 2-, 10-, 25- and 100-year storm
events.
•Controlling sediment and erosion during construction utilizing temporary practices.
Project Disturbance Area
Total Disturbed Area: 7.11 acres
Existing Impervious Area: 3.89 acres
Proposed Impervious Area: 5.57 acres
Increase in Impervious Area: 1.68 acres
Disturbance greater than five (5) acres of soil at any one time shall not be allowed without prior written
authorization from the NYSDEC and the MS4 having jurisdiction.
CU Indoor Sports & Recreation Center and Sports Field DRAFT Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
T.G. Miller, P.C.2.September 9, 2024
Description and Limitations of On-Site Soils
On-site soils information is not available from the USDA Soil Surveys of Tompkins County. (See
Volume II)
A geotechnical investigation to determine the soil types and properties for the on-site soils was
conducted by the geotechnical consultant, Haley Aldrich. A total of ten (HA1-HA10) test borings were
drilled on the site in December 2023. The results of the investigation are presented in the attached
report by Haley Aldrich dated February 7, 2024. The boring locations are as shown on Figure 2, Site
and Subsurface Exploration Location Plan, in the geotechnical report.
The investigation has determined the surficial soils on this site include topsoil with thicknesses ranging
from 0.5 to 2 feet. The topsoil overlays fill/reworked natural material with a thickness ranging from 0
and 5.5 feet. Below the fill/reworked natural material, the soil is characterized as glaciolacustrine silt
and sand. The thickness of this silt and sand layer was observed to range from 6.2 to 6.6. Below the
glaciolacustrine silt and sand, glacial till was encountered. Auger refusal was not encountered, and
glacial till was observed at termination depths of approximately 20 feet. Groundwater was encountered
in borings HA-2 and HA-6, at approximate elevations of 860 to 864.6 feet.
Five infiltration tests (B1-B5) were completed by Haley Aldrich, on January 22-23, 2024 in accordance
with Appendix “D” of the NYSDEC Stormwater Design Manual. The infiltration tests were completed
within the footprint of the future underground stormwater chamber system located beneath the proposed
sports field. These test locations encountered soft to stiff silt with clay and produced infiltration rates
less than 0.5 inches/hour. As a result, the bottom of this practice will underdrains and will not rely on
infiltration.
Historic Places
Based on GIS mapping available from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation website the proposed project will not impact property that lies within an archeologically
sensitive area or is on a property listed or eligible for listing on the State or National Register of Historic
Places. (See Volume II)
Wetlands
There are neither federal nor state wetlands located on, or adjacent to, the ISRC property. Refer to the
State and Federal Wetland Maps. (See Volume II)
Name of Receiving Waters
Stormwater runoff is currently discharged from the site through one of two piped connections located
along the southern boundary. Each discharge location will be maintained, and discharge rates will be
controlled to match existing rates. Each point of discharge enters a common piped storm sewer
system which eventually discharges into Cascadilla Creek.
Floodplains
Based on a review of the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map for the City of Ithaca, NY (dated September
30, 1981) and the Town of Ithaca, NY (dated June 19, 1985), the ISRC property is located in flood zone
“C”. The FEMA definition of flood zone “C” is areas that are of minimal flood hazard, and higher than
the elevation of the 0.2-percent-annual-chance flood. (See Volume II)
SEQUENCE OF MAJOR ACTIVITIES
Major activities for each phase of this site include but are not limited to:
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•Installing temporary control measures as shown on plans.
•Completing site demolition and clearing.
•Performing building, pavement and site grading earthwork operations.
•Installing utilities and stormwater collection/detention system.
•Installing inlet protection on new inlets.
•Installing asphalt pavements and artificial turf field.
•Restoring existing soils in proposed lawn area, seed and mulch.
•Installing bioretention filter and additional silt fence or silt log.
o Install filter forebay and establish permanent vegetation.
o Rough grade bioretention filter basin.
o Install stone, underdrain, outlet control structure, drainage fabric, bioretention soil mixture,
and mulch.
o Protect filter surface with a layer of nonwoven drainage fabric and install silt log around
the perimeter.
o Stabilize all adjacent lawn areas with seed and mulch.
o Once adjacent lawn areas have a minimum of 80% dense growth, remove the drainage
fabric and establish permanent plantings in the filter footprint.
•Removing temporary practices.
The Contractor is required to schedule a preconstruction meeting with the City of Ithaca and Town of
Ithaca prior to commencement of any earth disturbing activities. It shall be the responsibility of the
Contractor to make any changes to the SWPPP necessary when the Contractor or any of the
subcontractors elect to use borrow or fill or material storage sites, either contiguous to or remote from
the construction site, when such sites are used solely for this construction site. Such sites are considered
to be part of the construction site covered by the permit and this SWPPP. Off-site borrow, fill, or
material storage sites which are used for multiple construction projects are not subject to this
requirement, unless specifically required by state or local jurisdictional entity regulations. The
Contractor should consider this requirement in negotiating with earthwork subcontractors, since the
choice of an off-site borrow, fill, or material storage site may impact their duty to implement, make
changes to, and perform inspections required by the SWPPP for the site.
POST-CONSTRUCTION STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Existing Conditions
The project site is best characterized as a combination of grass and artificial turf athletic fields and will
disturb approximately 7.11 acres. The existing site cover is predominantly impervious with 4.07 acres
(55%) of the site being artificial turf, asphalt, and concrete. The remainder of the site consists of
pervious surfaces such as lawns and planting beds.
There are three watersheds in the vicinity of the ISRC site that will be impacted by the proposed project.
Watershed #1A drains in a southeasterly direction and is collected by a storm sewer system that runs
underneath Bartels Hall. This storm sewer is used as the point of analysis for Watershed #1A.
Watershed #1B is primarily comprised of an artificial turf athletic field and drains to a storm sewer
system on the south side of the ISRC site. The storm system was used as the point of analysis for
Watershed #1B. The field is drained by a system of gravel and underdrains. As part of the field’s
original construction in 2008, a SWPPP was prepared by T.G. Miller, P.C. According to the SWPPP,
the inherit volume in the field’s drainage system provides water quantity by means of an outlet control
structure. Runoff rates for Watershed #1B are based on the “post-development” rates published in the
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2008 SWPPP. Watershed #1C drains south into the Friedman Wrestling Center’s parking lot where it
is collected by a storm sewer system. (See Sheet 1 of 2 – Existing Watershed Boundaries).
TABLE 1. HYDROLOGIC DATA FOR EXISTING CONDITIONS
Watershed Drainage Area
(Acres)
Curve
Number
Time of Concentration
(min)
1A 4.74 88 25
1B 2.55 93 6
1C 0.09 92 6
Future Conditions
Development of the site will include the construction of a 90,000 square foot field house, a new artificial
turf sports field, as well as other amenities such as fire access roads, walkways, and landscape areas.
The project will disturb approximately 7.11 acres and the footprint of new impervious surfaces will
increase by approximately 1.68 acres. The project will largely maintain existing drainage patterns.
Table 2 lists the hydrologic characteristics of the proposed watershed.
TABLE 2. HYDROLOGIC DATA FOR FUTURE CONDITIONS
Watershed Drainage Area
(Acres)
Curve
Number
Time of Concentration
(min)
1A 5.98 95 14.3
1B 0.82 93 6
1C 0.51 89 6
1D 0.07 97 6
The stormwater mitigations will utilize an underground chamber detention system with sand filter, one
vegetated bioretention filter, and one hydrodynamic separator to treat the water quality volume. Tree
plantings will also be counted for area reduction credit.
Water Quality Controls
The water quality strategy is designed to improve water quality by capturing and treating 90% of the
average annual stormwater runoff volume. The required water quality volume is calculated from the
following equation:
WQv = P*(0.05+0.009*I)*A / 12
Where:
P = 90% rainfall event (inches)
= 1.00 inches (Ithaca, NY)
Rv = (0.05+0.009*I) (minimum allowed value = 0.20)
I = Imperviousness (%)
A = Drainage Area (s.f.)
However, in the case of redevelopment activities that show an increase in impervious cover, water
quality treatment is required for a minimum of 25% of the disturbed existing impervious area and
100% of the additional impervious cover.
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Tree Planting: Only trees adjacent to impervious cover and which meet the conditions of the stormwater
design manual were counted for this credit. If the tree canopies did not cover adequate impervious
cover, they were not counted. In total, 26 trees were counted, with 100 square feet of impervious cover
being credited per tree (for a total of 0.06 acres).
Therefore:
25% Existing Impervious
I = (4.07 acres*0.25) / 7.38 acres
= 13.8%
Rv = (0.05+0.009*13.8%)
= 0.174
Required WQv = 1.00”* 0.174 * 7.38 / 12
= 0.107 acre feet
= 4,665 cubic feet
Additional Impervious
I = 1.62 acres / 7.38 acres (1.68 acres – 0.06 acres from tree plantings)
= 22.8%
Rv = (0.05+0.009*22.8%)
= 0.255
Required WQv = 1.00”* 0.255 * 7.38 / 12
= 0.157 acre feet
= 6,625 cubic feet
Total Required WQv = 4,665 cubic feet + 6,625 cubic feet
= 11,290 cubic feet
Provided WQV: = 0.461 acre feet
= 19,879 cubic feet > Required WQv, OK
Runoff Reduction Volume
Runoff reduction can be achieved by infiltration, groundwater recharge, recycling, or
evaporation/evapotranspiration of 100 percent of the post-development water quality volumes to
replicate pre-development hydrology. This can be achieved by maintaining pre-construction
infiltration, peak runoff flows, discharge volumes, and minimizing concentrated flows through the use
of runoff control techniques that will provide treatment in a distributed manner before runoff reaches
the collection system. This requirement can be accomplished by application of on-site green
infrastructure techniques, standard stormwater management practices with runoff reduction capacity,
and good operation and maintenance. Although encouraged, meeting the Runoff Reduction Volume
(RRv) sizing criteria is not required for the redevelopment activity portion of a project.
In the case of this project high ground water, low hydrologic soil ratings and flat topography preclude
the installation of most green infrastructure practices. As a result of these physical limitations, 100%
runoff reduction of the water quality volume cannot be achieved. Projects that cannot achieve runoff
reductions to pre-construction conditions must, at a minimum, reduce a percentage of the runoff from
impervious areas to be constructed on the site. The percent reduction is based on the Hydrologic Soil
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Groups (HSG) of the site. The minimum runoff reduction volume required is calculated using the
following equation:
Min RRv = [(P) (Rv*) (Ai)] / 12
Where:
P = 90% rainfall event (inches)
= 1.00 inches (Ithaca, NY)
Rv* = 0.05+0.009(I) Where I is 100% impervious
Ai = (S)(Aic)
(Aic) = Total area of impervious cover (acres)
S = HSG Specific Reduction Factor
= 0.55 for HSG “A” Soils
= 0.30 for HSG “C” Soils
= 0.20 for HSG “D” Soils
Min RRv = (1.00” * [0.05+0.009(100)] * (0.20 * 1.62) / 12
= 0.026 ac-ft (1,120 cubic feet)
Provided RRv = 1,478 cubic feet > Required Min RRv, OK
Channel Protection
Per section 9.2.1 of the New York State Stormwater Management, channel protection is only required
if changes in site hydrology increase the discharge rate from the project site. While typically not a pre
versus post-development comparison, Chapter 9 of the Design Manual states that this requirement is
relaxed for redevelopment projects. If the hydrology and hydraulic analysis for the project site show
that the post-construction 1-year, 24 hour discharge rate and velocity are less than or equal to the pre-
construction discharge rate, providing 24 hour detention of the 1-year storm to meet the channel
protection criteria is not required.
As can be seen in the following section, Table 3 shows a reduction in the 1-year discharge rate from
4.23 cfs to 2.56 cfs. To calculate the velocity of the site discharge through the pipe immediately
downstream at the Point of Analysis, the following formula is used:
V = Q / A
Where:
V = Velocity (ft/s)
Q = Site Discharge (cfs)
A = Area of pipe
=π * d2 / 4
=π * (1.5 ft) 2 / 4
= 1.77 sq. ft.
Existing Velocity = 4.23 cfs / 1.77 sq. ft.
= 2.39 ft/s
Proposed Velocity = 2.56 cfs / 1.77 sq. ft.
= 1.45 ft/s < Existing Velocity, OK
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Water Quantity Controls
The water quantity practice is designed to reduce peak discharges for the 1-, 2-, 10-, 25- and 100-year
storms to below pre-developed rates at the point of analysis. In Watershed #1B, storage will be provided
in a bioretention practice to attenuate post-developed peak flows. Watershed #1A will be mitigated by
means of a below-grade chamber detention system.
Table 3 summarizes resulting peak discharge rates from within each of these watersheds.
Practice Sizing
Bioretention Filter
The filter will capture and treat runoff from Watershed #1B. The filter is sized using Darcy’s Law as
presented in the New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual, using the following
equation:
Af = WQv (df)/[(k)(T)(df+hf)]
Where:
Af = Filter Area (sf)
df = Filter Depth (feet) = 2.5 feet
hf = Average Head Above Filter (feet) = 0.25 feet
Tf = Filtering Time (days) = 2 days
k = Soil Permeability (ft/day) = 1ft/day
WQv = Water Quality Volume (cf) = P*(0.05+0.009*I)*A / 12
Where:
P = 90% rainfall event (inches)
= 1.0 inches (Ithaca, NY)
Rv = (0.05+0.009*I) (minimum allowed value = 0.20)
= 0.69
I = Imperviousness (%)
= 71.3%
A = Drainage Area (acres)
= 0.82 acres
Therefore:
WQv = (1.0”*(0.05+(0.009*71.3))*0.82 / 12) * 43,560
= 2066 cubic feet required
1-y r 2-yr 10-y r 25-y r 100-yr 1-yr 2-y r 10-y r 25-y r 100-y r
W S #1 0.67 0.91 1.68 2.18 2.96 4.23 5.85 11.11 14.40 14.99
0.88 1.14 2.00 2.47 3.27 2.55 3.06 5.56 7.19 8.94
(+0.210)(+0.230)(+0.320)(+0.290)(+0.310)(-1.68)(-2.79)(-5.55)(-7.21)(-6.05)
Pre-Dev elop ed
Pos t-Develo ped: Co ntro lled (in creas e ov er pre-d ev elop ed )
W S #1
TABLE 4 . HYDROLOGIC M ODELING RES ULTS
Ru no ff Volu me (acre-feet )Peak Rate o f Ru no ff (cfs )
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Af = 2066*2.5 / [(1)(2)(2.5+0.25)]
Af = 939 square feet required
1680 square feet provided
WQv =2066 cubic feet provided
Below Grade Detention System
In order to attenuate post-development site discharges from the 1-, 10-, and 100-year storm events,
Storm-Tech Chambers with a surrounding stone gallery will provide detention volume. Volume 2 of
this SWPPP includes HydroCAD calculations which illustrate the volume of this system. Based on
these calculations, the following conclusions were reached:
•A total of 189 chambers are provided; these will be provided as 7 parallel lengths of
27 chambers. Since the chambers are 4.03’ long, with 1’ of stone on each end the total
system length is 115’.
•Pretreatment Volume equaling or greater than 25% of the required WQv (4,227 c.f.) is
provided in the system’s twin isolator rows (5,750 c.f.).
Underground Sand Filter
The underground sand filter will be located directly underneath the below grade detention system and
will be sized to treat runoff from the new sports field, a portion of the new field house, as well as other
hardscape with Watershed 1A. The required water quality volume to be treated is calculated as follows:
WQv = P*(0.05+0.009*I)*A / 12
Where:
P = 1.0 inches
I = 81%
A = 260,488 s.f. (5.98 acres)
Therefore:
WQv = 1.0*(0.05+0.009*81)* 260,488 / 12
= 16,907 c.f. (required)
Total Storage above the Filter:
The entire treatment system (including pretreatment) shall be sized to temporarily hold at least 75%
of the Water Quality Volume, or 12,680 c.f., prior to filtration. This volume is provided in Storm-
Tech Chambers and a surrounding stone gallery (see Sheet C201). Volume 2 of this SWPPP
includes supporting calculations for the volume of this system.
Pretreatment Volume:
The design must ensure that at least 25% of the total design volume, or 4,227 c.f., is pretreated prior
to entering the filter media. This volume is provided in a set of “isolator rows” each consisting of
a series of Storm-Tech Chambers wrapped in geotextile fabric (see Sheet C201). Each row,
excluding the surrounding stone gallery, provides a storage volume of 2,875 c.f. and a combined
total of 5,750 c.f.
Filter Area:
The filter is sized using two measures. First, the filter area is determined based on Darcy’s Law,
utilizing the following design values:
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Af = (WQv)*(df) / [(k)*(hf + df)*(tf)]
Where:
Af = Surface area of the filter bed (s.f.)
WQv = 16,907 c.f.
df = Filter bed depth (ft)
= 1.5 feet
k = Coefficient of permeability of filter media
= 3.5 ft/day (sand)
*hf = Average height of water above filter bed (ft)
= 0.25 ft (see calculations below)
tf = Design filter bed drain time (days)
= 1.67 days (per NYSDEC Design Manual)
Therefore:
Af = (16,907)*(1.5) / [(3.5)*(0.25+1.5)*(1.67)
= 2,479 s.f. (required minimum)
=2,500 s.f. provided
Hydrodynamic Separator Unit
The use of an alternative stormwater practice (i.e. proprietary practice) was used due to site
constraints. Alternative practices do not provide the same level of treatment as a standard practice and
are thus required to treat three times more impervious area than standard practices. Hydrodynamic
separator units (HDS) effectively remove finer sediment, oil, and floating and sinking debris. The
swirl concentration operation and flow controls work together to minimize turbulence and provide
stable storage of captured pollutants.
One HDS unit was incorporated into the site design to capture and treat the runoff from Watershed
#1C. The HDS unit was sized to treat WQv on a flow-rate based sizing approach. The small storm
hydrology calculations for this watershed show a WQv flowrate of 0.39 cfs. Based on this
information and the 100-year flow rates, Contech has specified the CDS-3. The total water quality
volume provided by the HDS unit is equivalent to approximately 906 cubic feet (Refer to
Calculations, Volume II).
Practice Summary
The total water quality volume provided by the practices needs to meet or exceed the required volume
of 11,485 cubic feet.
TABLE 4. PRACTICE SUMMARY
Practice WQv Provided Impervious Area Treated
Bioretention Filter 2,066 c.f.0.59 acres
Below Grade Detention System 16,907 c.f.4.84 acres
Hydrodynamic Separator Unit 906 c.f.0.25 acres
Total Provided 19,879 c.f.5.68 acres
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Stormwater Signage
The owner of post-construction stormwater management practices shall erect or post, in the immediate
vicinity of the bioretention filter, hydrodynamic separator, and below grade detention system, a
conspicuous and legible sign of not less than 18 inches by 24 inches bearing the following information:
Stormwater Management Practice – (name of the practice)
Project Identification – (SPDES Construction Permit #)
Must be maintained in accordance with O&M Plan
DO NOT REMOVE OR ALTER
Better Site Design
In accordance with the stormwater regulations set forth by the City of Ithaca, projects disturbing more
than one acre must apply at least four better site design techniques. These practices incorporate non-
structural and natural approaches to new and redevelopment projects to reduce effects on watersheds
by conserving natural areas, reducing impervious cover and better integrating stormwater treatment.
The two techniques described below have been incorporated into the project in order to satisfy runoff
reduction requirements and are concurrent with the City of Ithaca requirements:
Bioretention/Rain Gardens
A bioretention filter is proposed and will provide stormwater treatment for runoff from a portion
of the roof.
Rooftop Runoff Reduction Mitigation
Runoff from portions of the rooftop will be directed to a below grade detention system and
bioretention filter.
Tree Planting
The planting of many new trees are being incorporated into the landscaping.
Open Vegetated Swale
Stormwater will be conveyed by an open vegetated channels in lieu of underground storm sewers.
Soil Restoration
Soil restoration is a required practice applied across areas of a development site where soils have been
disturbed and will be vegetated in order to recover the original properties and porosity of the soil. Soil
restoration is applied in the cleanup, restoration, and landscaping phase of construction followed by the
permanent establishment of an appropriate, deep-rooted groundcover to help maintain the restored soil
structure. The required measures of soil restoration are outlined in Table 5.
TABLE 5. SOIL RESTORATION REQUIREMENTS
Type of Soil Disturbance Soil Restoration Requirement Comments/Examples
No soil disturbance Restoration not required Preservation of Natural Features
Minimal soil disturbance Restoration not required Clearing and grubbing
HSG C & DAreas where topsoil is
stripped only – no change
in grade Aerate1 and apply 6 inches of topsoil
Protect area from any ongoing
construction activities
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HSG C & DAreas of cut or fill Apply full Soil Restoration2
Heavy traffic areas on site
(especially in a zone 5-25
feet around buildings but
not within a 5 foot
perimeter around
foundations walls)
Apply full Soil Restoration2 (de-
compaction and compost
enhancement)
Areas where Runoff
Reduction and/or
infiltration practices are
applied
Restoration not required, but may be
applied to enhance the reduction
specified for appropriate practices.
Upon final installation of the runoff
reduction practice, keep
construction equipment from
crossing the footprint of the
practice and the stabilized
contributing drainage area.
Redevelopment Projects
Full Soil Restoration is required on
redevelopment projects in areas
where existing impervious area will
be converted to pervious area
1: Aeration includes the use of machines such as tractor-drawn implements with coulters making a
narrow slit in the soil, a roller with many spikes making indentations in the soil, or prongs which
function like a mini-subsoiler.
2: Per “Deep Ripping and De-Compaction, DEC 2008.”
The underlying soils on the project site classify as Hydrologic Soil Group “D,” requiring full soil
restoration. The required measures of full soil restoration, per the NYSDEC’s 2008 publication of
“Deep Ripping and De-Compaction” are as follows:
During periods of relatively low to moderate subsoil moisture, the disturbed subsoils are returned to
rough grade and the following Soil Restoration steps applied:
1. Apply 3 inches of compost over subsoil.
2. Till compost into subsoil to a depth of at least 12 inches using a cat-mounted ripper, tractor-
mounted disc, or tiller, mixing, and circulating air and compost into subsoils.
3. Rock-pick until uplifted stone/rock materials of four inches and larger size are cleaned off the
site.
4. Apply topsoil to the depth specified on the landscaping plan.
5. Vegetate per the approved landscaping plan.
CONTROLS
Erosion and Sediment Controls
A layout of applicable erosion and sediment controls measures, together with typical installation details,
are depicted on sheets C102A-C102B – Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Construction/Stabilizing
Phase.
Stabilization Practices
The applicable erosion and sediment control measures shall be constructed prior to clearing or grading
of any portion of the project, where applicable. Where land disturbance is necessary, temporary
vegetative controls must be used on areas within 7 days of the last construction activity in that area,
unless construction activities will be resumed within 14 days. In frozen ground conditions, temporary
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vegetative measures should be implemented as soon as practical in order to control runoff during
snowmelt.
Permanent vegetation should be installed within 7 days of the completion of grading activities. If the
Qualified Professional determines that permanent seed cannot be applied due to climate conditions,
topsoil shall not be spread and temporary mulching shall be applied to the exposed surface to stabilize
soils until the next recommended seeding period.
Winter Stabilization
If ongoing land disturbance is performed between November 15th and the following April 1st, the
project will require temporary site specific, enhanced erosion and sediment controls to manage runoff
and sediment at the site to protect off-site water resources. The enhanced erosion and sediment
controls are as follows:
1. Prepare a snow management plan with adequate storage for snow and control of melt water,
requiring cleared snow to be stored in a manner not affecting ongoing construction activities.
2. Enlarge and stabilize access points to provide for snow management and stockpiling. Snow
management activities must not destroy or degrade installed erosion and sediment control
practices.
3. A minimum 25-foot buffer shall be maintained from all perimeter controls such as silt fence.
Mark silt fence with tall stakes that are visible above the snow pack.
4. Edges of disturbed areas that drain to a waterbody within 100 feet will have 2 rows of silt
fence, 5 feet apart, installed on the contour.
5. Drainage structures must be kept open and free of snow and ice dams. All debris, ice dams, or
debris from plowing operations, that restrict the flow of runoff and meltwater, shall be
removed.
6. Sediment barriers must be installed at all appropriate perimeter and sensitive locations. Silt
fence and other practices requiring earth disturbance must be installed before the ground
freezes.
7. Soil stockpiles must be protected by the use of established vegetation, anchored straw mulch,
rolled stabilization matting, or other durable covering. a barrier must be installed at least 15
feet from the toe of the stockpile to prevent soil migration and to capture loose soil.
8. In areas where soil disturbance activity has temporarily or permanently ceased, the
application of soil stabilization measures should be initiated by the end of the next business
day and completed within three (3) days. Rolled erosion control blankets must be used on all
slopes 3 horizontal to 1 vertical or steeper.
9. If straw mulch alone is used for temporary stabilization, it shall be applied at double the
standard rate of 2 tons per acre, making the application rate 4 tons per acre. Other
manufactured mulches should be applied at double the manufacturer's recommended rate.
10. To ensure adequate stabilization of disturbed soil in advance of a melt event, areas of
disturbed soil should be stabilized at the end of each work day unless:
a. Work will resume within 24 hours in the same area and no precipitation is forecast or;
b. The work is in disturbed areas that collect and retain runoff, such as open utility trenches,
foundation excavations, or water management areas.
11. Use stone paths to stabilize access perimeters of buildings under construction and areas where
construction vehicle traffic is anticipated. Stone paths should be a minimum 10 feet in width
but wider as necessary to accommodate equipment.
12. The site shall be inspected frequently to ensure that the erosion and sediment control plan is
performing its winter stabilization function. If the site will not have earth disturbing activities
ongoing during the “winter season”, all bare exposed soil must be stabilized by established
vegetation, straw or other acceptable mulch, matting, rock, or other approved material such as
rolled erosion control products. Seeding of areas with mulch cover is preferred but seeding
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alone is not acceptable for proper stabilization.
13. Compliance inspections must be performed and reports filed properly in accordance with the
SWPPP for all sites under a winter shutdown.
14. Prior to the ground freezing, silt fences must be installed to control sediment transport. These
fences play a crucial role in preventing soil erosion and must be diligently maintained
throughout the winter. In the event of snow or wind knocking down the silt fences, immediate
repairs or replacements should be made to ensure continuous sediment control.15. For a site
to be considered “winter shutdown” it must have achieved 80% vegetative establishment
and/or exposed disturbed soils temporarily mulched with straw. Winter shutdown allows
contractor daily inspections to be reduced from daily to monthly and EHS inspections to be
reduced from weekly to monthly. Notify EHS as soon as possible if a site is considered a
winter shutdown.
Structural Practices
Structural erosion and sediment control practices have been classified as either temporary or permanent,
according to how they are used. Temporary structural practices are used during construction to prevent
offsite erosion and sedimentation. Permanent structural practices are used to convey surface water
runoff to a safe outlet. Permanent structural practices will remain in place and continue to function after
the completion of construction. Regardless of whether the practices are temporary or permanent, runoff
control measures should be the first items constructed when grading begins, and be completely
functional before land disturbance takes place. Temporary structural practices used in this project
include the following:
•Silt Fence/Silt Log
•Stabilized Construction Entrance
•Inlet Protection
•Concrete Washout
•Sediment Traps
Other Controls
Waste Disposal
All waste materials will be collected and stored in securely lidded metal dumpsters rented from a local
waste management company which must be a solid waste management company licensed to do business
in Tompkins County. The dumpsters will comply with all local and state solid waste management
regulations.
All trash and construction debris from the site will be deposited in the dumpsters. The dumpsters will
be emptied a minimum of twice per week or more often if necessary, and the trash will be hauled to a
landfill approved by New York State. No construction waste materials will be buried on site. All
personnel will be instructed regarding the correct procedures for waste disposal. Notices stating these
practices will be posted in the job site construction office trailer, and the job site superintendent will be
responsible for seeing that these procedures are followed.
Sanitary Waste
All sanitary waste will be collected from portable units a minimum of two times per week by a licensed
portable facility provider in complete compliance with local and state regulations.
Off-Site Vehicle Tracking
Stabilized construction entrances will be provided to help reduce vehicle tracking of sediments. The
paved streets adjacent to the site entrances will be inspected daily and cleaned with vacuum equipment
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or swept as necessary to remove any excess mud, dirt, or rock tracked from the sites. Dump trucks
hauling material from the construction sites will be covered with a tarpaulin. The job site superintendent
will be responsible for seeing that these procedures are followed.
Hazardous Substances and Hazardous Waste
All hazardous waste materials will be disposed of by the Contractor in the manner specified by local,
state, and/or federal regulations and by the manufacturer of such products. Site personnel will be
instructed in these practices by the job site superintendent, who will also be responsible for seeing that
these practices are followed. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS's) for each substance with hazardous
properties that is used on the job site will be obtained and used for the proper management of potential
wastes that may result from these products. An MSDS will be posted in the immediate area where such
product is stored and/or used and another copy of each MSDS will be maintained in the SWPPP file at
the job site construction trailer office. Each employee who must handle a substance with hazardous
properties will be instructed on the use of MSDS sheets and the specific information in the applicable
MSDS for the product he/she is using, particularly regarding spill control techniques.
Any spills of hazardous materials which are in quantities in excess of Reportable Quantities as defined
by EPA regulations shall be immediately reported to the EPA National Response Center 1-800-424-
8802.
In order to minimize the potential for a spill of hazardous materials to come into contact with
stormwater, the following steps will be implemented:
•All materials with hazardous properties (such as pesticides, petroleum products, fertilizers,
detergents, construction chemicals, acids, paints, paint solvents, cleaning solvents, additives for
soil stabilization, concrete curing compounds and additives, etc.) will be stored in a secure location,
under cover, when not in use.
•The minimum practical quantity of all such materials will be kept on the job site.
•A spill control and containment kit (containing, for example, absorbent such as kitty litter or
sawdust, acid neutralizing powder, brooms, dust pans, mops, rags, gloves, goggles, plastic and
metal trash containers, etc.) will be provided at the storage site.
•All of the products in a container will be used before the container is disposed of. All such
containers will be triple-rinsed with water prior to disposal. The rinse water used in these containers
will be disposed of in a manner in compliance with state and federal regulations and will not be
allowed to mix with stormwater discharges.
•All products will be stored in and used from the original container with the original product label.
•All products will be used in strict compliance with instructions on the product label.
•The disposal of excess or used products will be in strict compliance with instructions on the product
label.
Contaminated Soils
Any contaminated soils (resulting from spills of materials with hazardous properties) which may result
from construction activities will be contained and cleaned up immediately in accordance with the
procedures given in the Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan and in accordance
with applicable state and federal regulations. The job site superintendent will be responsible for seeing
that these procedures are followed.
MAINTENANCE/INSPECTION PROCEDURES
Erosion and Sediment Control Inspection and Maintenance Practices
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The following inspection and maintenance practices will be used to maintain erosion and sediment
controls and stabilization measures.
•For construction sites where soil disturbance activities are on-going, the Operator’s trained
contractor shall inspect the erosion and sediment control practices and pollution prevention
measures daily to ensure they are being maintained in effective operating condition at all times.
The trained contractor shall begin implementing corrective actions within one business day.
•For construction sites where soil disturbance activities are on-going, the Operator’s Qualified
Professional shall conduct a site inspection at least once every 7 calendar days.
•For projects authorized to disturb greater than 5 acres of soil at any one time, The owner or operator
shall have a qualified inspector conduct at least two (2) site inspections every seven (7) calendar
days, for as long as greater than five (5) acres of soil remain disturbed. The two (2) inspections
shall be separated by a minimum of two (2) full calendar days. Further, the owner or operator shall
prepare a phasing plan that defines maximum disturbed area per phase and shows required cuts and
fills, and shall install any additional site-specific practices needed to protect water quality.
•All measures will be maintained in good working order; if repairs are found to be necessary, they
will be initiated within 24 hours of report.
•Silt fence will be inspected for proper toe-in depth, depth of sediment, tears, etc., to see if the fabric
is securely attached to the fence posts, and to see that the fence posts are securely in the ground.
Built up sediment will be removed from silt fence when it has reached one-third the height of the
fence.
•Inlet protection measures will be inspected for accumulation of sediments and debris. Sediment
and debris shall be removed without damaging the inlet protection fabric.
•Stabilized construction entrances shall be maintained in a condition that will prevent tracking of
sediment onto public rights-of-way or streets. This will require periodic top dressing with additional
aggregate in most cases, and complete replacement of aggregate in extreme cases.
•Temporary sediment traps will be inspected for depth of sediment, and built-up sediment will be
removed before it reaches 50 percent of the height of the riser. A measuring stick with markings to
indicate depth will be placed in the trap to accurately gauge the sediment depth in relation to the
riser.
•Temporary and permanent seeding and all other stabilization measures will be inspected for bare
spots, washouts, and healthy growth.
•The job site superintendent will be responsible for selecting and training the individuals who will
be responsible for these maintenance and repair activities.
•Personnel selected for the maintenance responsibilities will receive training from the job site
superintendent. They will be trained in all the maintenance practices necessary for keeping the
erosion and sediment controls that are used onsite in good working order. They will also be trained
in the completion of, initiation of actions required by, and the filing of the inspection forms.
Documentation of this personnel training will be kept on site with the SWPPP.
•Disturbed areas and materials storage areas will be inspected for evidence of or potential for
pollutants entering stormwater systems.
•Report to NYSDEC within 24 hours any noncompliance with the SWPPP that will endanger public
health or the environment. Follow up with a written report within 5 days of the noncompliance
event
Inspection and Maintenance Report Forms
Once installation of any required or optional erosion control device or measure has been implemented,
weekly, inspections of each measure shall be performed by the Operator’s Qualified Professional. The
Inspection and Maintenance Reports found in this SWPPP shall be used by the inspector to inventory
and report the condition of each measure to assist in maintaining the erosion and sediment control
measures in good working order.
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These report forms shall become an integral part of the SWPPP and shall be made readily accessible to
governmental inspection officials, the Operator’s Engineer, and the Operator for review upon request
during visits to the project site. In addition, copies of the reports shall be provided to any of these
persons, upon request, via mail or facsimile transmission. Inspection and maintenance report forms are
to be maintained by the Operator for five years following the final stabilization of the site.
Other Record-Keeping Requirements
The Contractor shall keep the following records related to construction activities at the site:
•Dates when major grading activities occur and the areas which were graded
•Dates and details concerning the installation of structural controls
•Dates when construction activities cease in an area
•Dates when an area is stabilized, either temporarily or permanently
•Dates of rainfall and the amount of rainfall
•Dates and descriptions of the character and amount of any spills of hazardous materials
•Records of reports filed with regulatory agencies if reportable quantities of hazardous materials
spilled
Post-Construction Maintenance
Permanent stormwater management practices will be located in the City of Ithaca while owned and
maintained by Cornell University. Maintenance requirements are indicated in Table 6. Additionally,
corresponding inspections and maintenance will be incorporated into the City of Ithaca's Stormwater
Operation, Maintenance, and Reporting Agreement (SOMRA).
TABLE 6. ONGOING MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Item Schedule
Inspections
Inspection Annually
Bioretention Filter
Remove sediment from forebay Forebay ½ full of sediment
Unclog outlet Filter does not drain/outlet is clogged
Replace mulch/ add mulch Mulch layer is degraded
Remove accumulated sediment Sediment visible on surface or filter clogging
Remove sediment from inlet channel Sediment depth >3 inches
Till filter surface to restore permeability Filter drains slowly and surface is compacted
Replace entire filter Filter does not drain, and other measures to
restore are unsuccessful
Replace vegetation Dead or decaying vegetation in filter
Repairs to embankment Based on inspection
Below Grade Detention System (Underground Chambers)
Check observation wells following 3 days of
dry weather. Failure to percolate within this
time period indicates clogging
Semi-annually
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TABLE 6. ONGOING MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Item Schedule
Jet underdrains Filter does not drain based on
observation well inspection
Inspect pretreatment devices and diversion
structures for sediment build-up.Semi-annually
Remove sediment and oil/grease from
pretreatment devices and overflow structures.As needed
Remove sediment from isolator row Sediment build-up greater than 2”
Dig up filters and replace.Filter does not drain. Jetting
does not improve performance.
Hydrodynamic Separator Unit
Debris/Trash Removal Monthly
Sediment Removal (Vacuum Truck)Twice a year, or if sediment accumulates to
within 12-18” of dry-weather water surface
Tree Plantings
Water Trees As needed
Remove mulch/ add mulch Mulch layer is degraded
Fertilization As needed
Pest and disease management Based on inspection
Replace Tree As needed
1: Maintenance Frequencies derived from the “New York State Stormwater Management
Design Manual created by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
2: Frequency may vary, and the need for maintenance will be determined by annual
inspections.
SPILL PREVENTION CONTROL AND COUNTERMEASURES (SPCC) PLAN
Materials Covered
The following materials or substances with known hazardous properties are expected to be present
onsite during construction:
Concrete Cleaning solvents
Detergents Petroleum based products
Paints Pesticides
Paint solvents Acids
Fertilizers Concrete additives
Soil stabilization additives
The following are the material management practices that will be used to reduce the risk of spills or
other accidental exposure of materials and substances to stormwater runoff.
Good Housekeeping
The following good housekeeping practices will be followed onsite during the construction project:
•An effort will be made to store only enough product required to do the job.
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•All materials stored onsite will be stored in a neat, orderly manner and, if possible, under a roof or
other enclosure.
•Products will be kept in their original containers with the original manufacturer's label in legible
condition.
•Substances will not be mixed with one another unless recommended by the manufacturer.
•Whenever possible, all of a product will be used up before disposing of the container.
•Manufacturer's recommendations for proper use and disposal will be followed.
•The job site superintendent will be responsible for daily inspections to ensure proper use and
disposal of materials.
Hazardous Products
These practices will be used to reduce the risks associated with hazardous materials.
•Products will be kept in original containers with the original labels in legible condition.
•Original labels and material safety data sheets (MSDS's) will be procured and used for each
material.
•If surplus product must be disposed of, manufacturers or local/state/federal recommended methods
for proper disposal will be followed.
•A spill control and containment kit (containing, for example, absorbent such as kitty litter or
sawdust, acid neutralizing powder, brooms, dust pans, mops, rags, gloves, goggles, plastic and
metal trash containers, etc.) will be provided at the storage site.
•All of the product in a container will be used before the container is disposed of. All such containers
will be triple-rinsed with water prior to disposal. The rinse water used in these containers will be
disposed of in a manner in compliance with state and federal regulations and will not be allowed to
mix with stormwater discharges.
Product Specific Practices
The following product specific practices will be followed on the job site:
Petroleum Products
All onsite vehicles will be monitored for leaks and receive regular preventative maintenance to
reduce the chance of leakage. Petroleum products will be stored in tightly sealed containers which
are clearly labeled. Any petroleum storage tanks used onsite will have a dike or berm containment
structure constructed around it to contain any spills which may occur. Any asphalt substances
used onsite will be applied according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Fertilizers
Fertilizers will be applied only in the minimum amounts recommended by the manufacturer.
Once applied, fertilizer will be worked in the soil to limit exposure to stormwater. Storage will be
in a covered shed. The contents of any partially used bags of fertilizer will be transferred to a
sealable plastic bin to avoid spills.
Paints, Paint Solvents, and Cleaning Solvents
All containers will be tightly sealed and stored when not in use. Excess paint and solvents will not
be discharged to the storm sewer system but will be properly disposed of according to
manufacturer's instructions or state and federal regulations.
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Spill Prevention Practices
In addition to the good housekeeping and material management practices discussed in the previous
sections of this plan, the following practices will be followed for spill prevention and cleanup.
•Manufacturer's recommended methods for spill cleanup will be clearly posted and site personnel
will be trained regarding these procedures and the location of the information and cleanup supplies.
•Materials and equipment necessary for spill cleanup will be kept in the material storage area onsite
in spill control and containment kit (containing, for example, absorbent such as kitty litter or
sawdust, acid neutralizing powder, brooms, dust pans, mops, rags, gloves, goggles, plastic and
metal trash containers, etc.).
•All spills will be cleaned up immediately after discovery.
•The spill area will be kept well ventilated and personnel will wear appropriate protective clothing
to prevent injury from contact with the hazardous substances.
•Spills of toxic or hazardous materials will be reported to the appropriate federal, state, and/or local
government agency, regardless of the size of the spill. Spills of amounts that exceed Reportable
Quantities of certain substances specifically mentioned in federal regulations (40 CFR 302 list and
oil) will be immediately reported to the EPA National Response Center, telephone 1-800-424-8802.
Reportable Quantities of some substances which may be used at the job site are as follows:
Oil - appearance of a film or sheen on water
Pesticides - usually 1 lb.
Acids - 5000 lb.
Solvents, flammable - 100 lb.
•The SPCC plan will be adjusted to include measures to prevent this type of spill from recurring and
how to clean up the spill if there is another one. A description of the spill, what caused it, and the
cleanup measures will also be included. If the spill exceeds a Reportable Quantity, all federal
regulations regarding reports of the incident will be complied with.
•The job site superintendent will be the spill prevention and cleanup coordinator. He will designate
the individuals who will receive spill prevention and cleanup training. These individuals will each
become responsible for a particular phase of prevention and cleanup. The names of these personnel
will be posted in the material storage area and in the office trailer onsite.
CONTROL OF ALLOWABLE NON-STORMWATER DISCHARGES
Certain types of discharges are allowable under the NYSDEC General Permit for Construction Activity,
and it is the intent of this SWPPP to allow such discharges. These types of discharges will be allowed
under the conditions that no pollutants will be allowed to come in contact with the water prior to or
after its discharge. The control measures which have been outlined previously in this SWPPP will be
strictly followed to ensure that no contamination of these non-stormwater discharges takes place. The
following allowable non-stormwater discharges which may occur from the job site include:
•Discharges from firefighting activities.
•Fire hydrant flushing.
•Waters used to wash vehicles or control dust in order to minimize offsite sediment tracking.
•Routine external building wash down which does not use detergents.
•Pavement wash waters where spills or leaks of hazardous materials have not occurred or detergents
have not been used.
•Air conditioning condensate.
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•Springs and other uncontaminated groundwater, including dewatering ground water infiltration.
•Foundation or footing drains where no contamination with process materials such as solvents is
present.
COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL REGULATIONS
The Contractor will obtain copies of any and all local and state regulations which are applicable to
stormwater management, erosion control, and pollution minimization at this job site and will comply
fully with such regulations. The Contractor will submit written evidence of such compliance if
requested by the Operator or any agent of a regulatory body. The Contractor will comply with all
conditions of the NYSDEC General Permit for Construction Activities, including the conditions related
to maintaining the SWPPP and evidence of compliance with the SWPPP at the job site and allowing
regulatory personnel access to the job site and to records in order to determine compliance.
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CERTIFICATION AND NOTIFICATION
The NYSDEC requires that certifications of knowledge of the contents of this SWPPP and agreement
to follow the SWPPP be made by the Operator, Engineer, and the Contractor. The terms of the General
Permit also require that each Contractor sign the SWPPP plan, thereby making them co-permittees and
acknowledging their responsibility for certain operational aspects of the plan. These certifications
should be signed before the contractor begins activities and should be filed with the site's SWPPP at
the job site. The Contractor certification is attached to this document.
Operator’s Certification
“I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my
direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel
properly gathered and evaluated the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or
persons who manage the system, or those persons directly responsible for gathering the
information, the information is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate and complete.
I am aware that false statements made herein are punishable as a class A misdemeanor pursuant to
Section 210.45 of the Penal Law.”
Name: Elisabete Godden, Cornell University
Title: Project Manager
Signature: _______________________________
Date: ___________________________________
Engineer’s Certification on Compliances with Federal, State and Local Regulations:
This Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan reflects the NYSDEC requirements for stormwater
management and erosion and sediment control.
Name: David A. Herrick, P.E.
Title: President
Acting as Professional Engineer for: T.G. Miller, P.C.
Signature: _______________________________
Date: _________________________________9/9/24
9/9/2024
September 23,2024
Subject:Request for Recall of Negative Declaration for Cornell’s Synthetic Turf Installation Due
to Environmental,Health,and Justice Concerns
To the Members of the City and Town Planning Board,
We are writing to urgently request a recall of the Negative Declaration for the environmental
impact assessment issued for Cornell University’s synthetic turf installation plan.We request
this recall based on significant new peer-reviewed scientific evidence that directly challenges
the arguments Cornell presented during the 9/3/24 City Planning Board meeting regarding the
environmental and health impacts of synthetic turf.The current assessment is flawed and
incomplete,as it fails to adequately address the serious risks posed by airborne microplastics,
VOCs,phthalates,PFAS,and the disproportionate impacts on environmental justice
communities.It is crucial that these new findings be thoroughly considered to ensure the
protection of public health and the environment.
1.Inadequate Filtration and Waterborne Microplastic Pollution
The 212-micron pore size of Cornell’s filtration system,proposed during the 9/3/24 City
Planning Board meeting,is simply inadequate for capturing the microplastics and
nanoplastics released by synthetic turf.The fibers of synthetic turf degrade over time due to
UV exposure and mechanical wear,shedding particles much smaller than 212 microns.These
particles,including nanoplastics,can easily bypass such a filtration system and enter local
water bodies,leading to long-term contamination.These smaller particles are especially harmful
because they can persist in the environment,accumulate in living organisms,and are difficult to
remove through conventional filtration systems.
The Swedish study (Chand et al.,2024)demonstrates that high-efficiency filtration systems
require pore sizes far smaller than 212 microns—rapid sand filters with pore sizes ranging
from 15 to 30 microns,used as part of a tertiary treatment process that combines mechanical,
biological,and chemical treatments.Cornell’s mechanical filtration system with its
212-micron pore size lacks these essential components.
In comparison,the Korean TENG study (Park et al.,2022)highlights the importance of
targeting sub-micron plastics,demonstrating that even particles as small as 1 micron must be
captured to prevent environmental contamination.Despite the use of a triboelectric
nanogenerator (TENG)and advanced materials like the porous-pyramid
polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)layer,the system achieved only a 21.4%removal rate.While
this method represents progress in microplastic remediation,it underscores significant
limitations in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness for large-scale applications.These
studies further emphasize the irresponsibility of Cornell’s proposed approach,which would allow
both microplastics and nanoplastics to pass through unfiltered.
Moreover,Silva et al.(2021)found that microplastics and nanoplastics can facilitate the release
of water-soluble toxins,including cadmium,mercury,and lead,as they degrade.These
heavy metals are highly persistent in the environment and bioaccumulate in aquatic
ecosystems,posing a direct threat to wildlife and potentially entering the human food chain.
Synthetic turf will accelerate the release of these harmful substances,especially under
conditions of wear and weathering.
2.Airborne Microplastics and VOC Emissions
The risks posed by airborne microplastics are perhaps even more concerning.Recent
research,such as the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL)report (2023),
underscores the growing crisis of airborne microplastics,which are generated through the
production,use,and degradation of plastic materials like synthetic turf.As these materials break
down,they release microplastics and nanoplastics into the air,where they can be inhaled,
leading to potential respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
In addition to airborne microplastics,synthetic turf emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs),
which further compound health risks.Studies,such as Mohammed et al.(2023),show that
synthetic turf releases VOCs,especially in warmer seasons,leading to elevated cancer risks,
particularly for vulnerable populations such as children.Phthalates,used as plasticizers in
synthetic turf backing and infills,are also released into the air and environment.These
compounds are known endocrine disruptors and have been linked to reproductive issues and
developmental problems in children (Negev et al.,2022).
Huang et al.(2023)further raise concerns about the health risks of EPFRs released from
crumb rubber infill in synthetic turf.These highly reactive molecules pose serious risks,such as
oxidative stress and respiratory issues,which are not mitigated through ventilation.
Moreover,ventilation systems are not designed to capture or neutralize these nanoparticles,
allowing them to escape and potentially be released outdoors,polluting the surrounding
environment.
Cornell University’s proposal has no plans to prevent microplastic emissions outdoors.
3.Synthetic Turf and Indoor Air Quality
Cornell’s decision to install synthetic turf inside an indoor fieldhouse raises additional concerns
about the concentration of airborne microplastics and VOCs in enclosed spaces.Abad López
et al.(2023)emphasize that airborne microplastics,due to their low density and small size,can
easily accumulate in indoor environments,where they pose significant inhalation risks.In
enclosed spaces,where air circulation is often limited,the concentration of these harmful
particles will be much higher than in outdoor environments.
Athletes using these indoor synthetic turf fields,particularly children,will be exposed to elevated
levels of airborne microplastics and VOCs,leading to an increased risk of respiratory illnesses,
cardiovascular issues,and long-term health complications.Studies such as Aini et al.(2022)
indicate that the physical characteristics of microplastics allow them to travel deep into the
lungs,potentially leading to chronic inflammation and other respiratory issues.These risks are
exacerbated for student athletes,who will be exercising intensely in these environments,
leading to greater inhalation of microplastics.
4.Toxicity of PFAS and False Claims of "PFAS-Free"Turf
Cornell’s claims that its synthetic turf will use "PFAS-free"plant-based materials are
misleading and dangerous.The synthetic turf industry has repeatedly been found to market its
products as PFAS-free while continuing to use fluorinated chemicals.For example,Mello (2022)
and Bennett (2023)reveal that even so-called "organic"infills and synthetic turf fibers contain
fluorine-based chemicals,suggesting the presence of PFAS.Kristen Mello’s testing of
synthetic turf materials in Portsmouth,NH,confirmed the presence of multiple toxic PFAS
compounds,despite industry claims to the contrary.Massey et al.(2020)also conduct a
comparative assessment of the chemical contents in various types of artificial turf infill,
including tire crumb,synthetic alternatives,and plant-and mineral-based infills.Their analysis
reveals that none of the materials are completely free of toxic chemicals.Even plant-based
infills,often marketed as "safer,"still contain chemicals of concern,albeit in smaller amounts.
The presence of PFAS in synthetic turf is particularly concerning due to their persistence in the
environment and bioaccumulation in wildlife and humans.PFAS,known as "forever
chemicals,"do not break down easily and are linked to a range of health problems,including
cancer,reproductive issues,and endocrine disruption.As Siegel et al.(2024)demonstrate,
even organic infills marketed as safer alternatives can pose similar health risks,contradicting
the industry’s claims.
5.Environmental Justice and Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable
Communities
The production,use,and disposal of synthetic turf disproportionately impacts environmental
justice communities.From the extraction of raw materials to the eventual disposal of synthetic
turf,communities near production and disposal facilities bear the burden of toxic emissions,
polluted water,and degraded air quality.The CIEL report (2023)highlights the lifecycle
pollution caused by plastic production,including the release of toxic chemicals during the
manufacturing process.These burdens fall disproportionately on marginalized communities,
who often lack the resources to advocate for their health and environmental protections.
Additionally,many of the facilities that manufacture or dispose of synthetic turf are located near
low-income communities and communities of color,who suffer from the cumulative effects of
exposure to PFAS,VOCs,and other harmful substances.As the Collaborative for Health &
Environment (2022)points out,the entire lifecycle of synthetic turf is built on environmental
injustice,from the pollution of frontline communities to the health risks faced by athletes using
these fields.
6.Synthetic Turf as a Leading Source of Microplastic Pollution
The recent study by Zhu et al.(2024)in Toronto identified synthetic turf as the largest source
of microplastic pollution in the city,emitting over 237 tonnes of microplastics in 2020 alone.
Synthetic turf surpasses even clothing as a contributor to microplastic emissions,demonstrating
its significant role in the global plastic pollution crisis.Cornell’s decision to proceed with
synthetic turf,despite this evidence,is irresponsible and out of step with efforts to reduce plastic
pollution at the source.
Meegoda and Hettiarachchi (2023)emphasize that the most effective strategy for addressing
plastic pollution is source reduction—preventing the production and use of plastic materials in
the first place.By choosing not to install synthetic turf,Cornell can take a meaningful step
toward reducing its environmental impact and protecting the health of its students and the
surrounding community.
Conclusion:A Call for Source Reduction and Environmental Responsibility
Given the overwhelming evidence from these studies,we urge the Planning Board to
immediately recall the negative declaration on Cornell’s synthetic turf proposal and require that
the university adopt more sustainable,natural alternatives.It is clear that Cornell’s synthetic turf
installation plan will contribute to significant environmental harm and pose serious health risks.
The proposed filtration system is inadequate to prevent the release of microplastics,
nanoplastics,and toxic chemicals into the water and air.Additionally,the installation of synthetic
turf will disproportionately affect environmental justice communities and contribute to the
ongoing crisis of plastic pollution.
I urge the Planning Board to recall the negative declaration on Cornell’s synthetic turf proposal
and demand that the university prioritize source reduction—choosing more sustainable,
natural alternatives that align with global efforts to combat plastic pollution.This is not only a
matter of environmental responsibility but also a critical step toward protecting public health and
addressing the disproportionate impact of pollution on vulnerable communities.
Please see the attached 70+page partially annotated and sectioned bibliography for references
cited in this letter.
Sincerely,
Yayoi Koizumi
Founder,Zero Waste Ithaca
zerowasteithaca.org
Zero Waste Ithaca Artificial Turf Bibliography
Updated:September 22,2024
Table of Contents 1
Cornell University’s Multiple Artificial Turf Projects,the Ithaca Community and Beyond 2
Fossil Fuel Industry ’s Influence on Cornell and Higher Education 8
Local Media Report 9
Selected Peer-Reviewed Studies on Artificial Turf,Microplastics and Toxic Chemicals -PFAS and
Beyond 10
Testimony Letters from Independent Experts and Organizations 16
The Debunked WA Department of Health Quoted Conspicuously in Cornell-commissioned Haley &
Aldrich Report 18
PFAS and Beyond:Toxicity Concerns in Synthetic Turf 18
Issues with Plant-Based /Organic Infills 24
Issues with Filtration of Runoffs 26
Issues of Air Emission 29
Independent Test Results for PFAS 30
Microplastics and Public Health,and More Toxic Substances in Plastics 33
Environmental Justice and Plastic Lifecycle 36
Failure of Plastic Recycling,“Advanced”Chemical Recycling,and Plastic Turfs 39
Bans,Moratoriums,Municipal Recommendations 42
Lawsuits 43
Philadelphia Inquirer ’s Coverage on Injuries,Cancer,Toxicity,Artificial Turf Dumping 44
Further Investigative Journalism 45
Reports by Environmental Organizations 47
Injuries and Health Threats for Athletes 49
Webinars,Documentary and Other Films 51
Natural Grass vs.Artificial Turf 54
Natural Grass Management 55
Cost Comparisons 57
Miscellaneous 58
FUHSD (Fremont Union High School District,CA)Report
Citations from:Community for Natural Play Surfaces.“Re:Choose Natural Turf for FUHSD Schools or
Comply with CEQA.”February 27,2024.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vQC57CdX3Kv5-1sUkqNx57dTjkLAfFbzsmHoOEt-rAl
-kj8N5rGnuNUlKrCF9PQBQ /pub 58
UCSB Report
Citations from:Woelke,Dianne,Diana Carpinone,Suzanne Hume,Ronald Askeland,and Nancy
Okada.“University of California Santa Barbara Notice of Impending Development No.
UCS-NOID-0002-23 (Baseball Stadium Turf).”September 8,2023.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mavB4-DNVOEgYE-XaCthWJ8wT9oyb3Um/view.67
Cornell University’s Multiple Artificial Turf Projects,the Ithaca Community
and Beyond
Balesta,Christine,Senior Planner of Town of Ithaca.“Re:Cornell University Meinig Fieldhouse
Indoor Sports and Recreation Center Project -Discussion of Additional Materials,SEQR
Segmentation.”May 14,2024.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/fg4n5fanrv3o2xwf6dli5/PB-packet-5-21-24-Meinig-SEQ
R-Segmentation-Long-Range-Vision.pdf?rlkey=1lq70pmm1q3ie7s4yn5z073my&st=87q
gj6qr&dl=0
In this packet of additional materials,Cornell University requests SEQR segmentation
for additional artificial turf projects on the eastern fringe of campus at Game Farm and
Ellis Hollow Roads.The package outlines the university’s long-range vision to develop
the existing meadows,potentially covering the area with several synthetic turf fields,in
addition to the two synthetic turf fields proposed in the Meinig "fieldhouse"project on
Tower Road in central campus.
Note:We noticed that the package was removed from the original link on the town
website,so we are sharing a link to a downloaded copy for reference.
Brewer,Lori,Eva Hoffmann,Michael Roberts,Lindsay Dombroskie.“RE:Cornell University
Meinig Fieldhouse Project.”Town of Ithaca Conservation Board.January 31,2024.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hVL8vgLquqDSJPhq1cZ9qxli-B9GIlN2/view?usp=drive
_link.
Carman,Neil.Letter to The City of Ithaca,NY,Planning Board Members.June 25,2024.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17Hjoae7HMpXo3ueK92Auq71sJXXhsDUT/view?usp=s
haring
In this letter,Dr.Neil Carman,an expert in chemistry and the lead staff member for the
Sierra Club Texas in their court battles,discusses the hazardous air pollution affecting
environmental justice communities in the Houston,Texas area.For decades,he has
fought companies like ExxonMobil.These communities live under the shadow of the
ExxonMobil complex,which includes multiple plastic production and recycling plants.
Notably,a controversial "advanced"chemical recycling plant in Baytown,Texas,accepts
artificial turf from the synthetic turf recycling company TenCate.
City of Watertown,MA -Government.“Victory Field Turf is Closed Due to Excessive Heat.”
June 20,2024.
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=812146911015602&set=a.198027349094231
Watertown,MA in the home of Mr.Trey Sasser,a Cornell representative from Sasaki
architectural firm who spoke in favor of artificial turf.Contrary to the industry’s claims
of all-year play,Victory Field in Watertown also previously had to close down for the
whole summer in 2023 for artificial turf replacement.See:Beitrose,Charlie.“Victory
Field Closing for Most of Summer to Replace Artificial Turf.”Watertown News.June 9,
2023.
https://www.watertownmanews.com/2023/06/09/victory-field-closing-for-most-of-summ
er-to-replace-artificial-turf/
Cornell University.“Meinig Fieldhouse Indoor Sports and Recreation Facility:Site Plan Review
Application Report.”December 15,2023.
https://www.cityofithaca.org/DocumentCenter/View/16359/Cornell-Meinig-Fieldhouse-S
PR-Application-121523rsz.
Cornell University.“Meinig Fieldhouse Indoor Sports and Recreation Facility:Additional
Materials.”April 19,2024.
https://www.cityofithaca.org/DocumentCenter/View/16866/Meinig-Fieldhouse-Additiona
l-Materials-041924-rsz
In this report,Cornell University commissions the consulting firm Haley &Aldrich,
which has ties to corporations like BP and Boeing with questionable environmental and
corporate ethic records (See here,here,here,here and here for BP and here,here,here,
here,here and here for Boeing’s,and here,here,here for BP -and note these just scratch
the surface.Look at the list on Violation Tracker for BP and Boeing),to produce a
document that justifies artificial turfs.The firm's ties to large corporations like Boeing
and BP suggest potential conflicts of interest when it comes to producing reports on
environmentally sensitive projects like synthetic turf installation.
The original page on the H&A website containing this information was curiously
removed once after our public comment on 5/28/24,then it was restored again by
6/29/24.We are sharing a link to WayBack Machine as well as a screenshot below for
safekeeping.
Haley &Aldrich’s report cites reports from other industry consulting firms,perpetuating
an industry echo chamber of disinformation regarding artificial turf.One of the firms
referenced in Haley &Aldrich’s report,Tetra Tech,in particular,was previously part of
Honeywell,a company with a notorious environmental record (see this and this).Tetra
Tech is also involved in ongoing lawsuits (see this,this,and this).
Most notably,Tetra Tech was embroiled in a lawsuit by the US Government for falsifying
information for radiation cleanup at Hunter Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco in
2018.The lawsuit is still ongoing.The U.S.Department of Justice has intervened in
multiple whistleblower lawsuits against the company,alleging that it falsified
radiological data and substituted "clean"soil samples to misrepresent contamination
levels at the site.Two of the company's supervisors even pleaded guilty to falsifying
records and were sentenced to prison.These actions delayed cleanup efforts and raised
concerns about ongoing contamination in the area,which remains under scrutiny .
Additionally,Tetra Tech faces accusations of negligence,including a class-action lawsuit
from former site workers claiming that improper handling of toxic materials contributed
to health issues such as cancer.
Tetra Tech was also cited for conducting a study for the East Palestine train derailment
disaster in Ohio on February 3,2023,where a Norfolk Southern freight train carrying
hazardous chemicals such as vinyl chloride derailed,leading to significant environmental
and health concerns,despite a clear conflict of interest,raising questions about their
corporate ethics.(see this).
In the Cornell-commissioned report by Haley &Aldrich,it is crucial to note that
despite Tetra Tech's report supporting artificial turf for the Martha's Vineyard
Commission,the Town of Oak Bluffs ultimately banned synthetic turf in April 2024,
rejecting the project at Oak Bluffs High School.This significant detail is conspicuously
omitted in both the Haley &Aldrich report and their subsequent communications
submitted to the City and Town of Ithaca Planning Boards.Put plainly,Haley &
Aldrich references Tetra Tech's report,which was rejected due to concerns about PFAS
contamination of the only aquifer serving Martha's Vineyard residents.Despite having
ample time to update their communications,they failed to disclose this critical
development.
This omission raises serious questions about the integrity of the report.
It is also worth noting that Tetra Tech has an office right here in Ithaca,New York,and
hired by the Ithaca City School District.The School District already has a synthetic
turf in their high school.
Cornell University presses forward and reveals a plan to install potentially several more
artificial turf fields in the Game Farm and Ellis Hollow Roads area as part of their
proposed sports complex plan,despite significant community opposition.This decision
follows protests in spring 2023 against a similar,albeit smaller,project at Ithaca College,
highlighting the Cornell University administration's disregard for community concerns.
Consider this continual expansion of campus amenities while examining the increase
over decades in new student acceptance and enrollment significantly surpassing the
national population increase and the general downward trend for college enrollment.
See Cornell University Institutional Research &Planning.“Enrollment at Cornell
University Ithaca,1868 to Present.”https://irp.dpb.cornell.edu/
Cornell University.“Meinig Fieldhouse Indoor Sports and Recreation Facility:Supplemental
Information.”June 10,2024.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/m58uvx97z4mxt1gdgou96/City-PB-agenda-2024-06-25-
w-Attachments.pdf?rlkey=58fond2najzob8hflh353889u&st=5f3flo4t&dl=0
This attachment to the City Planning Board Agenda for June 25,2024,begins on page
147.The report includes a letter from the senior director of Cornell’s Ornithology Lab
(starting on page 156),thanking the project team at Cornell and Sasaki for considering
the construction's impact on hawks,yet notably omitting any discussion of the
detrimental effects of artificial turf on bird populations.Additionally,it addresses the
planned removal of 18 existing oak and maple trees (page 160),proposing new plantings
but failing to acknowledge the crucial role of mature trees in the ecosystem and
climate—raising the question of why the existing trees can't be preserved alongside new
plantings.
McBride,Murry Brian.Letter to the City and Town of Ithaca Planning Board regarding Cornell’s
Artificial Turf Projects,.Jul 3, 2024
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pfkS3QqwBsBC-FyI4bUG87dhhIfQt3pAmOXoV
Vw203M/edit?pli=1
In this letter,Cornell University Emeritus Professor Murry Brian McBride critiques
Cornell's artificial turf projects,highlighting concerns about contamination and
environmental impact.His expert perspective in soil science and chemistry adds
significant weight to the opposition of the project.
Woelke,Dianne,MSN.Letter to The City of Ithaca,NY,Planning Board Members.June 25,
2024.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BJfJKA9nV65Igl6MZO3HzA_oLOWgHUtK/view?usp=
sharing
Dianne Woelke,a founding board member of Safe Healthy Playing Fields and a retired
Advanced Practice Nurse and Public Health Nurse,expresses her scientifically supported
opposition to artificial turf in this 17-page letter regarding Cornell University’s multiple
artificial turf projects in Ithaca,NY.
Zero Waste Ithaca.“The True Costs of Artificial Turf:Experts Discuss Cornell University’s
New “PFAS-Free”Project”Webinar held on April 30,2024.
https://youtu.be/iqk8Ss-8Bjk?si=fm4uSfUqo1L4V56G
A panel of six experts—including scientists,environmentalists,and a former university
soccer coach,three whistleblowers —testify and analyze the life cycle,environmental
justice,and public health impacts of artificial turf and suggest the alternative of organic
natural grass management.This webinar helped defeat a plan for an artificial turf field in
a school district in Middleton,WI.
Zero Waste Ithaca,co-sponsored by Beyond Plastics and Plastic Pollution Coalition.Petition:
Halt Cornell University’s Plan to Install Artificial Turfs.
https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/ceb22b8b44b8892804799dbec9048d51a165cc81/?has
h=49848ca89bf36f9d4cc636a15d0413c1
The petition gained over 1,200 signatures and was submitted to Cornell University
President Kotlikoff,Provost Siliciano,Administration and Sustainability Office on August
31,2024.Zero Waste Ithaca has not received any response from Cornell University.
Fossil Fuel Industry’s Influence on Cornell and Higher Education
Cornell University."Cornell Engineering Systems Engineering:Corporate Partners."Cornell
University.Accessed September 22,2024.
https://www.systemseng.cornell.edu/se/programs/meng-degree-distance-learning/corporat
e-partners.
Cornell University."ExxonMobil Foundation Gives $403K to Cornell."Cornell University,April
30,2019.
https://www.engineering.cornell.edu/news/exxonmobil-foundation-gives-403k-cornell.
Fossil Free Cornell.Dissociate Cornell:A Review of Cornell's Fossil Fuel Ties.Developed and
researched by Fossil Free Cornell,September 18,2024.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iPBmvy6v3_5tmiPy1iXJhTNdyBXA0zLF/view.
Hiltner,Sofia,Emily Eaton,Noel Healy,Andrew Scerri,Jennie C.Stephens,and Geoffrey
Supran."Fossil Fuel Industry Influence in Higher Education:A Review and a Research
Agenda."Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews:Climate Change,first published September 5,
2024.https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.904
Noor,Dharna."Elite US Universities Rake in Millions from Big Oil Donations,Research Finds:
Student-Led Analyses Raise Concerns of Conflict of Interest at Six Universities,
Including Princeton,Columbia,and Cornell."The Guardian,September 19,2024.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/sep/19/oil-donations-universities.
Taft,Molly."Research or Lobbying?New Documents Reveal What Fossil Fuel Companies Are
Really Paying for at Top Universities."Drilled,April 30,2024.
https://drilled.media/news/hearingdocs-universities.
Wu,Venus,“University Denies Conflict of Interest.”Cornell Daily Sun.February 15,2010.
https://cornellsun.com/2010/02/15/university-denies-conflict-of-interest/
Peter Meinig '61,a former natural gas executive,lends his name to Cornell's proposed
field house,which will feature synthetic turf made from fossil fuels.
Local Media Report
Dougherty,Matt.“Cornell Faces Public Backlash Over Plans to Install Artificial Turf.”Ithaca
Times.June 27,2024.
https://www.ithaca.com/news/ithaca/cornell-faces-public-backlash-over-plans-to-install-a
rtificial-turf/article_26d884c2-34ad-11ef-9416-eb947ec65524.html
Figueroa,Fernando.“Debate Over Environmental Hazards of Cornell’s New Turf Field
Continues at City,Town Levels.”August 9,2024.
https://ithacavoice.org/2024/08/debate-over-environmental-hazards-cornells-new-turf-fiel
d-continues-at-city-town-levels/
Ithaca Times.“Question of the Week:Do You Think Ithaca College Should Replace the Grass
Field at Butterfield Stadium with Artificial Turf?”June 7,2023.
https://www.ithaca.com/opinion/question_of_the_week/do-you-think-ithaca-college-shou
ld-replace-the-grass-field-at-butterfield-stadium-with-artificial/poll_7aff9034-054e-11ee-
9b25-579d4c7a178d.html.
Ithaca Times’poll shows an overwhelming 85%of Ithacans oppose the artificial turf
project at Ithaca College.
Kipperman,Vee.“Environmental Activists Rally Against Artificial Turf.”Ithaca Times.June 3,
2023.
https://www.ithaca.com/news/ithaca/environmental-activists-rally-against-artificial-turf/a
rticle_f8144ee0-054c-11ee-b33b-bb9b10c7b4c7.html#comments.
Lukas,Judy.“Community Group Urges Ithaca College Halt Artificial Turf Construction.”Ithaca
Voice.June 6,2023.
https://ithacavoice.org/2023/06/community-group-urges-ithaca-college-halt-artificial-turf
-construction/.
Miller,Silochanie.“Environmental Advocates,Cornell Athletics Dispute Over Artificial Turf
Project.”Cornell Daily Sun.September 6,2024.
https://cornellsun.com/2024/09/06/environmental-advocates-cornell-athletics-dispute-ove
r-artificial-turf-project/
Cornell Daily Sun undercounts the rally participants to half (20)of the number reported
by Ithaca Voice (40)by Figueroa Fernando in this article.
Redelmeier,Rebecca.“Cornell’s Plan to Install Artificial Turf Fields Spurs Plastic Pollution
Concerns.”WSKG-NPR.June 16,2024.
https://wskg.org/regional-news/2024-06-16/cornells-plan-to-install-artificial-turf-fields-s
purs-plastic-pollution-concerns
Rose,Vivian.“Talks about Synthetic Turf Fields Resurface as Local Environmental Groups
Express Concerns.”August 28,2024.The Ithacan.
https://theithacan.org/55664/news/talks-about-synthetic-turf-fields-resurface-as-local-env
ironmental-groups-express-concerns/
Rovenolt,Mikayla “Mack.”“Zero Waste Ithaca Opposes Artificial Turf.”Tompkins Weekly.
June 7,2023.
https://www.tompkinsweekly.com/articles/news-brief-zero-waste-ithaca-protests-artificial
-turf/.
Selected Peer-Reviewed Studies on Artificial Turf,Microplastics and Toxic
Chemicals -PFAS and Beyond
See many more included in UCSB Report integrated into this bibliography compilation.
Benoit,Gaboury.“Evaluation of Organic and Inorganic Compounds Extractable by Multiple
Methods from Commercially Available Crumb Rubber Mulch.”Water,Air &Soil
Pollution.February 12,2018.https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-018-3711-7
Bø,S.M.,Bohne,R.A.&Lohne,J.“Environmental Impacts of Artificial Turf:A Scoping
Review.”International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology.(2024).
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-024-05689-3
Carmona,Eric,Elisa Rojo-Nieto,Christoph D.Rummel,Martin Krauss,Kristian Syberg,Tiffany
M.Ramos,Sara Brosche,Thomas Backhaus,and Bethanie Carney Almroth.“A Dataset
of Organic Pollutants Identified and Quantified in Recycled Polyethylene Pellets.”Data
in Brief 51 (2023):109740.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2023.109740.
Cousins,I,Johansson,J,Salter,M et al.“Outside the Safe Operating Space of a New Planetary
Boundary for Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).Environmental Science
Technology 56 (2022):11172−9.
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.est.2c02765?download=true.
De Haan,William P.,Rocío Quintana,César Vilas,Andrés Cózar,Miquel Canals,Oriol Uviedo,
and Anna Sanchez-Vidal.“The Dark Side of Artificial Greening:Plastic Turfs as
Widespread Pollutants of Aquatic Environments.”Environmental Pollution 334 (2023):
122094.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122094.
This Barcelona study found that up to 15%of the larger microplastic pieces in the
environment come from artificial turf.This significant fiber loss contributed to the
University of California,Santa Barbara's decision to choose natural grass over artificial
turf,supported by the California Coastal Commission,on December 13,2023.
Ginsberg,Gary,Brian Toal,and Tara Kurland.“Benzothiazole Toxicity Assessment in Support
of Synthetic Turf Field Human Health Risk Assessment.”Journal of Toxicology and
Environmental Health,Part A 74,no.17 (2011):1175–83.
https://doi.org/10.1080/15287394.2011.586943.
Golijanin,Petar,Ryan James Whalen,Mark Cote,Tyler Joseph Zajac,and Matthew T.
Provencher.“The Comparison of Injuries in National Football League Players
(2016–2021)Based on the Playing Surface:Natural Grass versus Artificial Turf.”
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.2024.
https://aaos.scientificposters.com/epsAbstractAAOS.cfm?id=1
Gould HP,Lostetter SJ,Samuelson ER,Guyton GP.“Lower Extremity Injury Rates on Artificial
Turf Versus Natural Grass Playing Surfaces:A Systematic Review.”The American
Journal of Sports Medicine.May 20,2022.https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465211069562
Hua,Jing Martin Lundqvist,Shanti Naidu,Mikael T.Ekvall,Tommy Cedervall.“Environmental
Risks of Breakdown Nanoplastics from Synthetic Football Fields.”Environmental
Pollution.April,2024.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123652.
This study investigates the health risks associated with synthetic turf,focusing on the
detection and toxicity of nanoplastics in drainage water from a synthetic football field.
The research found trace amounts of nanoplastics from EPDM granules,which exhibited
high toxicity to aquatic organisms.These findings underscore the urgent need for further
research into the harmful effects of nanoplastics from synthetic turf surfaces.
Huang,Qian’en,Jianqun Wang,Jianping Wang,Dongmei Yu,Yuanbo Zhan,and Ze Liu.
“Emerging Health Risks of Crumb Rubber:Inhalation of Environmentally Persistent Free
Radicals via Saliva During Artificial Turf Activities.”Environmental Science &
Technology 57,no.50 (2023):21005–21015.https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c03278.
Kanaan,Ahmed,Elena Sevostianova,Bernd Leinauer,and Igor Sevostianov.“Water
Requirements for Cooling Artificial Turf.”Journal of Irrigation and Drainage
Engineering 146,no.10 (2020):05020004.
https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)IR.1943-4774.0001506.
Kim JI,Kim BN,Lee YA,Shin CH,Hong YC,Dossing LD,Hilderbrandt G,Lim YH.
“Association Between Early-Childhood Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Substances and
ADHD Symptoms:A Prospective Cohort Study.”Science of the Total Environment.April
4,2023.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163081
Kim S,Yang JY,Kim HH,Yeo IY,Shin DC,Lim YW.“Health Risk Assessment of Lead
Ingestion Exposure by Particle Sizes in Crumb Rubber on Artificial Turf Considering
Bioavailability.”Environmental Health and Toxicology.February 2,2012.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/resources/citations/3278598/export/
Kole,Pieter Jan,Frank GAJ Van Belleghem,Jetse J.Stoorvogel,Ad MJ Ragas,and Ansje J.
Löhr.“Tyre Granulate on the Loose;How Much Escapes the Turf?A Systematic
Literature Review.”Science of the Total Environment (2023):166221.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166221.
Lauria,Mélanie Z.,Ayman Naim,Merle Plassmann,Jenny Fäldt,Roxana Sühring,and Jonathan
P.Benskin.“Widespread Occurrence of Non-Extractable Fluorine in Artificial Turfs from
Stockholm,Sweden.”Environmental Science &Technology Letters.July 6,2022.DOI:
10.1021/acs.estlett.2c00260 https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.2c00260
Magnusson,Simon,and Josef Mácsik.“Analysis of Energy Use and Emissions of Greenhouse
Gases,Metals and Organic Substances from Construction Materials Used for Artificial
Turf.”Resources,Conservation and Recycling 122 (2017):362–372.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.03.007.
Murphy,Maire,Genoa R.Warner.“Health Impacts of Artificial Turf:Toxicity Studies,
Challenges,and Future Directions.”Environmental Pollution.October 1,2022.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119841
Negev,Maya,Zohar Barnett-Itzhaki,Tamar Berman,Shay Reicher,Naor Cohen,Ruti Ardi,
Yaniv Shammai,Tamar Zohar,and Miriam L.Diamond.“Hazardous Chemicals in
Outdoor and Indoor Surfaces:Artificial Turf and Laminate Flooring.”Journal of
Exposure Science &Environmental Epidemiology 32,no.3 (2022):392–399.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41370-021-00396-4.
Park,Byung-Geon,Cheoljae Lee,Young-Jun Kim,Jinhyoung Park,Hyeok Kim,Young Jung,
Jong Soo Ko,Sang-Woo Kim,Ju-Hyuck Lee,Hanchul Cho.“Toxic Micro/Nano Particles
Removal in Water via Triboelectric Nanogenerator.”Nano Energy,2022;100:107433
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoen.2022.107433
This study demonstrates a new approach using a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG)for
removing micro-and nanoparticles from water,leveraging an electrophoretic process
driven by the electric field generated by the TENG.Even with the use of advanced
materials like the porous-pyramid polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)layer,the system
achieved only a 21.4%removal rate.While this method represents progress in the field of
microplastic remediation,it underscores significant limitations in terms of efficiency and
cost-effectiveness for large-scale applications.
Cornell's filtration proposal,discussed at the Ithaca City Planning Board meeting on
9/3/24,suggests using filters with pore sizes of 0.212 mm,which are considerably larger
than those used in the TENG system.Given that this advanced system with smaller pores
and electrical enhancement was only able to capture a fraction of microplastic
pollutants,serious concerns arise about the efficacy of the filtration methods Cornell is
advocating for.It is questionable whether such a method will adequately address
microplastic contamination from synthetic turf runoff.
Rather than relying on filtration alone,it would be far more responsible to critically
evaluate and reduce the sources of plastic pollution—such as synthetic turf—which
contributes significantly to the problem.Cornell’s current plan may fall short of
effectively mitigating environmental risks,given the evidence of limited success even with
more sophisticated technologies.
Peaslee,Graham and Heather D.Whitehead.“Occurrences of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl
Substances in Plastic Products from Fluorinated Polymer Processing Aids.”2024.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1oiwPKNrHCJd6-VzcFPKTNyCrjjmiwJeh/edit?u
sp=sharing&ouid=106106732686023309618&rtpof=true&sd=true
This is a pre-publication presentation in Government of the District of Columbia ANC
(Advisory Neighborhood Commission)3/4G Single Member District 02.“Is Artificial
Turf Safe for Our Kids and Our Environment?,"March 26,2024.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8xlCA9M8hI
Dr.Peaslee from University of Notre Dame is the leading expert on PFAS in consumer
products.In this first Zoom meeting in the series by ANC 3/4G looking at artificial turf,
he shared his pre-publication study showing artificial turf is estimated to potentially
contaminate 800,000 gallons of water with chemicals per field per year on average.
Ragnarsdóttir,Oddný ,Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah,and Stuart Harrad.“Dermal
Bioavailability of Perfluoroalkyl Substances Using in Vitro 3D Human Skin Equivalent
Models,”Environment International.June,2024.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2024.108772
A study of 17 commonly-used synthetic 'forever chemicals'has shown that these toxic
substances can readily be absorbed through human skin.
Sánchez-Sotomayor D,Martín-Higuera A,Gil-Delgado JA,Gálvez Á,Bernat-Ponce E.
“Artificial Grass in Parks as a Potential New Threat for Urban Bird Communities.”Bird
Conservation International.Cambridge University Press,July 26,2022.
doi:10.1017/S0959270922000119
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bird-conservation-international/article/artificial-
grass-in-parks-as-a-potential-new-threat-for-urban-bird-communities/55B131F50206D3
DD485A57DE975C120C
This study demonstrates that replacing natural grass with artificial turf in urban parks in
eastern Spain negatively impacted bird diversity.Parks with artificial grass show reduced
species richness,abundance,and gamma diversity compared to parks with natural grass.
These findings highlight the harmful effects of artificial turf on urban bird communities
and its threat to bird conservation.
Siegel,Kyle R.,Brooklynn R.Murray,Jeff Gearhart,and Christopher D.Kassotis."In Vitro
Endocrine and Cardiometabolic Toxicity Associated with Artificial Turf Materials."
Department of Pharmacology and Institute of Environmental Health Sciences,Wayne
State University,Ecology Center.September 6,2024.
This study examines the potential health risks of artificial turf materials,analyzing both
new and weathered samples.The findings indicate that weathered turf samples had
stronger effects on various hormone receptors,including androgen,estrogen,and thyroid
receptors.Additionally,all turf extracts activated a receptor linked to toxin processing
(AhR),with some causing heart cell toxicity in rats.These results raise concerns about
the endocrine and cardiometabolic effects of artificial turf materials,warranting further
investigation into their impact on human health.
Stoett,Peter,Vitória M.Scrich,Carla I.Elliff,Mariana M.Andrade,Natalia de M.Grilli,
Alexander Turra,“Global Plastic Pollution,Sustainable Development,and Plastic Justice,
World Development.”World Development.December 2024.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2024.106756.
This article discusses the detrimental impact of plastic pollution on sustainable
development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals,highlighting the lack of
sufficient indicators to monitor progress.It introduces "plastic justice"as a critical
framework to address plastic pollution as both a human rights and environmental justice
issue,advocating for equitable solutions to this global crisis.
Silva,Ana L.P.,Joana C.Prata,Armando C.Duarte,Amadeu M.V.M.Soares,Damià Barceló,
Teresa Rocha-Santos.“Microplastics in Landfill Leachates:The Need for
Reconnaissance Studies and Remediation Technologies.”Case Studies in Chemical and
Environmental Engineering.June 2021.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscee.2020.100072
This study highlights how microplastics and nanoplastics in landfill leachates contribute
to the increased leaching of plastic additives,such as plasticizers,and facilitate the
adsorption/desorption of hazardous chemicals and pathogens in water.The presence of
these plastics raises significant concerns about environmental and human health impacts.
Chemicals from plastics,including PFAS,BPA,cadmium,mercury,and lead,are
often water-soluble and persistent,making them difficult to remove from water
systems even with filtration.As plastics degrade,their surface area increases,
accelerating the release of harmful substances.The authors stress the importance of
developing remediation technologies to address these threats.
Simpson,Thomas J.,and Robert A.Francis.“Artificial Lawns Exhibit Increased Runoff and
Decreased Water Retention Compared to Living Lawns Following Controlled Rainfall
Experiments.”Urban Forestry &Urban Greening 63 (2021):127232.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2021.127232.
Tarafdar,Abhrajyoti,Min-Ju Oh,Quynh Nguyen-Phuong,and Jung-Hwan Kwon.“Profiling and
Potential Cancer Risk Assessment on Children Exposed to PAHs in Playground
Dust/Soil:A Comparative Study on Poured Rubber Surfaced and Classical Soil
Playgrounds in Seoul.”Environmental Geochemistry and Health.May 27,2019.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-019-00334-2
This Korean study found that children who play on used tire crumb playgrounds,
commonly referred to as PIP (poured in place),are 10 times more likely to develop
cancer than those who played on soil surfaces.
Vyrlas,Panagiotis,Miltiadis Koutras,Vasileios Liakos.“Surface Temperature Experiences and
Irrigation Effects on Artificial Turf.”WSEAS Transactions on Environment and
Development.May 22,2024.DOI:10.37394/232015.2024.20.20
https://wseas.com/journals/ead/2024/a405115-007(2024).pdf
Watterson,Watterson.“Crumb Rubber in Sports Pitches in Scotland and the Science/Policy
Interface:Can Continued Use be Justified?”2024.
https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.35010.18882.
Winz,Robyn,Lee L.Yu,Li-Piin Sung,YuYe J.Tong,and Dejun Chen.“Assessing Children’s
Potential Exposures to Harmful Metals in Tire Crumb Rubber by Accelerated
Photodegradation Weathering.”Scientific Reports 13,no.1 (2023):13877.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-38574-z.
Zhu,Xia,Matthew J.Hoffman,and Chelsea M.Rochman.“A City-Wide Emissions Inventory of
Plastic Pollution.”Environmental Science &Technology.February 1,2024.
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c04348
This study provides a comprehensive framework for quantifying plastic emissions in
urban environments,with a case study focusing on Toronto,Canada.Notably,it identifies
artificial turf as the largest contributor to microplastic pollution in the city,emitting 237
tonnes in 2020—surpassing other sources,including clothing.The research highlights the
importance of targeting synthetic turf in microplastic reduction strategies and
recommends scaling this measurement framework globally to track progress toward
reducing plastic pollution.
Zuccaro,Philip,James Licato,Emily A.Davidson,David C.Thompson,and Vasilis Vasiliou.
“Assessing Extraction-Analysis Methodology to Detect Fluorotelomer Alcohols (FTOH),
a Class of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS),in Artificial Turf
Fibers and Crumb Rubber Infill."Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental
Engineering 7 (2023):100280.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscee.2022.100280.
Zuccaro,Philip,David C.Thompson,Jacob de Boer,Andrew Watterson,Qiong Wang,Song
Tang,Xiaoming Shi,Maria Llompart,Nuno Ratola,and Vasilis Vasiliou.“Artificial Turf
and Crumb Rubber Infill:An International Policy Review Concerning the Current State
of Regulations.”Environmental Challenges 9 (2022):100620.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2022.100620.
Testimony Letters from Independent Experts and Organizations
Carman,Neil.Letter to The City of Ithaca,NY,Planning Board Members.June 25,2024.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17Hjoae7HMpXo3ueK92Auq71sJXXhsDUT/view?usp=s
haring
In this letter,Dr.Neil Carman,an expert in chemistry and the lead staff member for the
Sierra Club Texas in their court battles,discusses the hazardous air pollution affecting
environmental justice communities in the Houston,Texas area.For decades,he has
fought companies like ExxonMobil.These communities live under the shadow of the
ExxonMobil complex,which includes multiple plastic production and recycling plants.
Notably,a controversial "advanced"chemical recycling plant in Baytown,Texas,accepts
artificial turf from the synthetic turf recycling company TenCate.
Clapp,Richard W.,DSc,MPH,and David R.Brown,Sc.D.“Re:Investigation of Reported
Cancer among Soccer Players in Washington State.”March 9,2017.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/194BxQ8gaL0_noQWJYpyYBj5ww2-FhNFU/view.
DeWitt,Jamie,Ph.D.Letter to the City Planner of Los Angeles,California.Jul.6,2023.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DT-UQ5bEeD4kfFhtxLcSNDYTmhLn8D9L/view?usp=
drivesdk
Landrigan,Philip,M.D.et al.“Re:Proposed Artificial Turf Field in Roosevelt Park.”March 1,
2024.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NP8Xr9pSRbGtaZidli3mkks21voc2oqK/view?usp=shari
ng.
Four medical doctors from Boston College and Harvard Medical School are in
opposition to the proposal for installing artificial turf in their local park,citing
significant human health risks associated with its lifecycle.
McBride,Murry Brian.Letter to the City and Town of Ithaca Planning Board regarding Cornell’s
Artificial Turf Projects,.Jul 3, 2024
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pfkS3QqwBsBC-FyI4bUG87dhhIfQt3pAmOXoV
Vw203M/edit?pli=1
In this letter,Cornell University Emeritus Professor Murry Brian McBride critiques
Cornell's artificial turf projects,highlighting concerns about contamination and
environmental impact.His expert perspective in soil science and chemistry adds
significant weight to the opposition of the project.
Royer,Sara-Jean,Ph.D.Letter to the Mayor and the City Council Members,Oceanside,CA.
April 29,2020.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18jECQi_39Oxt7KnIUR6xpiMF248TKoFo/view?usp=sh
aring.
In this letter,Dr.Royer discusses her research team's discovery of methane emissions
from plastic polyethylene,which is the most commonly produced plastic.They observe a
significant rise in methane and ethylene off-gassing with an increase in the surface area
of plastic,particularly raising concerns for plastics exposed to air in terrestrial
environments,such as those used in artificial turf.Please see her team’s 2018 study
listed in the section of FUHSD (Fremont Union High School District,CA)Report below.
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society.Letter to Los Gatos Union School District,California.
November 16,2021.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wJ0TitvT2IgCxukD4N9izQMflyNxconA/view?usp=shar
ing
Los Gatos Union School District rejected the artificial turf proposal and opted for natural
grass -see Page 4 for the final decision.
Tolaymat,T.,N.Robey,M.Krause,J.Larson,K.Weitz,S.Parvathikar,L.Phelps,W.Linak,S.
Burden,T.Speth,AND Jonathan D.Krug.A Critical Review of Perfluoroalkyl and
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)Landfill Disposal in the United States.Science of the
Total Environment.December 20,2023.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167185
Woelke,Dianne,MSN.Letter to the Secretary Wade Crowfoot of California Natural Resources
Agency.March 20,2022.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSyLdjJmwVG8bMzDrAlw7SpBabUsm
waefka9MDAZ-HKTSN7aLEUw-sxyYnU5xUWCqAXGBiXvJuw-WHI/pub
Dianne Woelke,a board member of Safe Healthy Playing Fields and a retired Advanced
Practice Nurse and Public Health Nurse,expresses her opposition to artificial turfs in
this letter,which includes numerous links to studies and reports supporting her position.
Woelke,Dianne,MSN.Letter to The City of Ithaca,NY,Planning Board Members.June 25,
2024.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BJfJKA9nV65Igl6MZO3HzA_oLOWgHUtK/view?usp=
sharing
Dianne Woelke,a board member of Safe Healthy Playing Fields and a retired Advanced
Practice Nurse and Public Health Nurse,expresses her scientifically supported
opposition to artificial turf in this 17-page letter regarding Cornell University’s multiple
artificial turf projects in Ithaca,NY.
Wolff,Megan J.,Ph.D.MPH.et al.“Subject:Exclusion of Synthetic Turf Fields from Central
School District Capital Improvement Plan.”December 14,2023.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18hwzkScZ5zmmDmVQmnvJFgjs6Nx-cV4p/view?usp=s
haring
This letter was addressed to the New Paltz Central School District Board of Education in
New York,expressing opposition to the district's proposal to incorporate artificial turf
into new athletic facilities.Notably,it highlights Cornell University's own cost analysis,
available on their website,illustrating that artificial turf is significantly more expensive
to maintain compared to natural grass.
The Debunked WA Department of Health Quoted Conspicuously in
Cornell-commissioned Haley &Aldrich Report
Clapp,Richard W.DSc,MPH,and David R.Brown,Sc.D.“Re:Investigation of Reported
Cancer among Soccer Players in Washington State.”March 9,2017.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/194BxQ8gaL0_noQWJYpyYBj5ww2-FhNFU/view.
Howie,Stephen.“Does Playing Soccer on Artificial Turf Increase Cancer Risk,Especially in
Kids?”KUOW,NPR Network.February 8,2024.
https://www.kuow.org/stories/does-playing-soccer-on-artificial-turf-increase-cancer-risk-
especially-in-kids
Kim,Hana.“State Dept.of Health Says Crumb Rubber Poses No Significant Risk to Public;
Critics Call Findings Irresponsible.”FOX 13 Seattle.January 19,2017.
https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/state-dept-of-health-says-crumb-rubber-poses-no-sig
nificant-risk-to-public-critics-call-findings-irresponsible.
Perkins,Tom.“Athletes Likely to Have Higher Levels of PFAS After Play on Artificial Turf -
Study.”The Guardian.March 15,2024.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/15/athletes-higher-pfas-levels-artifi
cial-turf
PFAS and Beyond:Toxicity Concerns in Synthetic Turf
This section examines the toxic chemicals found in synthetic turf,including PFAS and the
misleading 'PFAS-free'claims made by the industry.It also addresses other hazards like
microplastics,heavy metals,and harmful compounds in crumb rubber,all of which pose
environmental and health risks.
Bennett,Kyla."Response to Questions -Portsmouth,New Hampshire Synthetic Turf Field
Installation."Letter to Kimberly Henry,City Planner,City of Los Angeles.July 11,2023.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10ZQayc15_pUBkKXkhyh2ZxfNTtH7p7CY/view?usp=d
rivesdk
Bennett,representing Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER),
critiques the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR)for the Harvard-Westlake River
Park Project in Los Angeles,highlighting concerns about the inadequate assessment of
PFAS in artificial turf.The letter disputes the FEIR's dismissal of PFAS exposure risks,
including the claim that drinking water is the primary route of exposure.Bennett provides
evidence that PFAS are present in synthetic turf and that microplastics and crumb rubber,
used as infill,pose environmental and health hazards,including cancer risks.The letter
emphasizes the failure of the FEIR to consider the full scope of these issues and argues
for the environmentally preferable alternative of natural grass.
Collaborative for Health &Environment.“Environmental Health Impacts of Synthetic Turf and
Safer Alternatives.”January 27,2022.
https://www.healthandenvironment.org/che-webinars/96595.
Ecology Center.“Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’Infest Artificial Turf.”October 10,2019.
https://www.ecocenter.org/toxic-forever-chemicals-infest-artificial-turf
EHN Curators.“PFAS Found on Children’s Skin After Playing on Turf Fields.”Environmental
Health News.August 26,2024.
https://www.ehn.org/pfas-found-on-childrens-skin-after-playing-on-turf-fields-26690571
49.html
Fořt,Jan,Klára Kobetičová,Martin Böhm,Jan Podlesný,Veronika Jelínková,Martina
Vachtlová,Filip Bureš,and Robert Černý.“Environmental Consequences of Rubber
Crumb Application:Soil and Water Pollution.”Polymers 14,no.7 (2022):1416.
https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14071416.
Gaber,Nadia,Lisa Bero,and Tracey J.Woodruff.“The Devil They Knew:Chemical Documents
Analysis of Industry Influence on PFAS Science.”Annals of Global Health 89,no.1
(2023).https://doi.org/10.5334/aogh.4013.
Gambacorta,David and Laker,Barbara.“City Officials Believed a New South Philly Turf Field
was PFAS-Free.Not True,Experts Say.”The Philadelphia Inquirer.February 23,2024.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-pfas-artificial-turf-field-murph
y-recreation-20240223.html
Gearhardt,Jefferey,Director of Research,The Ecology Center,Ann Arbor,MI.Letter to
Portsmouth,NH City Council and Director of Finance and Administration.1 Jun 2020.
https://nontoxicdovernh.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/june1_portsmouthpfas.pdf
This letter,addressed to the Portsmouth City Council,discusses the challenges of
accurately testing for PFAS in synthetic turf fibers.The author reports that,despite
claims of PFAS-free turf,their research detected fluorine,a potential indicator of PFAS,
in all nine synthetic turf fibers tested.One sample from the Tom Daubney Field in
Portsmouth showed 79 parts per million (ppm)of fluorine,indicating the likely presence
of PFAS,despite PFAS-free claims.The letter highlights concerns about the inadequacy
of EPA Method 537.1,which is designed for water testing and does not detect all possible
PFAS chemicals.The author advocates for more comprehensive testing methods to ensure
accurate PFAS detection in synthetic turf.
Li,Nan,Yun Liu,George D.Papandonatos,Antonia M.Calafat,Charles B.Eaton,Karl T.
Kelsey,Kim M.Cecil et al.“Gestational and Childhood Exposure to Per-and
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Cardiometabolic Risk at Age 12 Years.”Environment
International 147 (2021):106344.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.106344.
Huang,Qian’en,Jianqun Wang,Jianping Wang,Dongmei Yu,Yuanbo Zhan,and Ze Liu.
“Emerging Health Risks of Crumb Rubber:Inhalation of Environmentally Persistent Free
Radicals via Saliva During Artificial Turf Activities.”Environmental Science &
Technology 57,no.50 (2023):21005–21015.https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c03278.
This study investigates the health risks associated with crumb rubber (CR)infill used in
artificial turf,focusing on the presence of environmentally persistent free radicals
(EPFRs).The researchers found widespread CR particles and EPFRs in the air
surrounding artificial turf fields,with levels increasing over time.Analysis of saliva
samples from participants revealed the presence of EPFRs after exercising on the turf,
indicating a potential inhalation pathway.The study suggests that exposure to CR with
EPFRs could increase health risks by altering saliva composition and its oxidative
potential,raising concerns about the safety of artificial turf infill.
Kristen Mello.Email to Mayor Eachern,City of Portsmouth,NH Regarding Additional PFAS
Testing of FieldTurf Vertex,Schmidt Shock Pad and SafeShell infill installed June 2021.
July 5,2022.
https://nontoxicdovernh.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/wraft-pfas-portsmo
uthletter-5july2022.pdf
The letter by Kristen Mello,M.Sc.in Analytical Chemistry,addresses concerns about
PFAS contamination in synthetic turf materials,specifically referencing testing results
from Portsmouth,New Hampshire.It details the findings of both known and unidentified
PFAS compounds in various components of artificial turf,such as the Field Turf carpet,
Schmitz Foam ProPlay pad,and Greentech Safeshell infill,with results showing the
presence of multiple toxic chemicals including GenX,HFPO-DA,and other proprietary
PFAS.These findings contradict industry claims that certain turf products are "PFAS
free."The letter highlights the potential risks to public health and the environment,
emphasizing the need for strict oversight and accountability from city officials,especially
in holding contractors responsible for their promises of PFAS-free materials.In light of
new EPA advisories that drastically reduce acceptable PFAS exposure levels,the letter
urges city officials to take every measure to limit contamination and protect taxpayers
from future costs related to turf field replacement,remediation,and disposal.
Kristen Mello.Follow-up to 11/17/21 PFAS-Field Work Session.Email communication to
Mayor Becksted,Council Member,City Manager,City Attorney.November 21,2021.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13kTZrbFrLulPcMF38pjR25tB3-2mbs_qcnirJmYy
T5U/edit
Messmer,Mindi F.,Jeffrey Salloway,Nawar Shara,Ben Locwin,Megan W.Harvey,and Nora
Traviss.“Risk of Cancer in a Community Exposed to Per-and Poly-Fluoroalkyl
Substances.”Environmental Health Insights 16 (2022):11786302221076707.
https://doi.org/10.1177/11786302221076707.
Mohammed,Atef MF,Inas A.Saleh,and Nasser M.Abdel-Latif.“Hazard Assessment Study on
Organic Compounds and Heavy Metals from Using Artificial Turf.”Heliyon 9,no.4
(2023).https://www.cell.com/heliyon/pdf/S2405-8440(23)02135-7.pdf.
The Egyptian study investigates the release of hazardous substances,including VOCs,
PAHs,and heavy metals,from artificial turf as affected by sunlight exposure.It monitors
VOC levels across different seasons and settings,including indoor and outdoor
environments.The findings indicate elevated VOC levels during warmer seasons and
highlight higher exposure risks for younger age groups (7–15 years)compared to others.
While the hazard index (HI)values suggest no immediate non-carcinogenic risk,the
study reports a high probability of cancer risk (R)for various age groups,particularly
children,when exposed to artificial turf on football fields.
Negev,Maya,Zohar Barnett-Itzhaki,Tamar Berman,Shay Reicher,Naor Cohen,Ruti Ardi,
Yaniv Shammai,Tamar Zohar,and Miriam L.Diamond.“Hazardous Chemicals in
Outdoor and Indoor Surfaces:Artificial Turf and Laminate Flooring.”Journal of
Exposure Science &Environmental Epidemiology 32,no.3 (2022):392–99.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41370-021-00396-4.
Negev et al.examine the presence of hazardous chemicals in synthetic surfaces,including
artificial turf and laminate flooring,with a focus on trace metals,phthalates,and
formaldehyde.The study,conducted in Israel,tested 46 samples of synthetic playground
surfaces,artificial grass,and laminate flooring.Findings indicate that 72%of synthetic
playground surfaces and synthetic grass samples exceeded international standards for
trace metals,including lead,cadmium,and chromium.Although laminate flooring met
formaldehyde standards,it contained DEHT,a chemical substitute for phthalates.The
authors stress the need for stricter regulations in Israel to protect children from potential
toxic exposure from these surfaces.
Oh,Jiwon,Deborah H.Bennett,Antonia M.Calafat,Daniel Tancredi,Dorcas L.Roa,Rebecca J.
Schmidt,Irva Hertz-Picciotto,and Hyeong-Moo Shin.“Prenatal Exposure to Per-and
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Association with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the
MARBLES Study.”Environment International 147 (2021):106328.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.106328.
Peaslee,Graham,Ph.D.“Dr.Graham Peaslee Addresses Portsmouth,NH Council.”June 16,
2020.https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2785073858389781
Graham Peaslee,a professor of experimental nuclear physics at Notre Dame,originally
focused his career on fundamental physics research and teaching.However,in 2005,
when a lake near his home was discovered to be contaminated with chemicals from flame
retardants,he shifted his focus to researching the prevalence of toxic chemicals.This led
him into the intersection of science and policy,exploring the relationship between
chemicals and human health.In a video presentation,he shares his expertise in total
fluorine testing and emphasizes that PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances)have
been found in all synthetic turf fields examined to date,providing insights into the
reasons behind this occurrence.
Peaslee,Graham and Heather D.Whitehead.“Occurrences of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl
Substances in Plastic Products from Fluorinated Polymer Processing Aids.”2024.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1oiwPKNrHCJd6-VzcFPKTNyCrjjmiwJeh/edit?u
sp=sharing&ouid=106106732686023309618&rtpof=true&sd=true
This is a pre-publication presentation in Government of the District of Columbia ANC
(Advisory Neighborhood Commission)3/4G Single Member District 02.“Is Artificial
Turf Safe for Our Kids and Our Environment?,"March 26,2024.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8xlCA9M8hI
Dr.Peaslee from University of Notre Dame is the leading expert on PFAS in consumer
products.In this first Zoom meeting in the series by ANC 3/4G looking at artificial turf,
he shared his pre-publication study showing artificial turf is estimated to potentially
contaminate 800,000 gallons of water with chemicals per field per year on average.
Ragnarsdóttir,Oddný ,Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah,and Stuart Harrad.“Dermal
Bioavailability of Perfluoroalkyl Substances Using in Vitro 3D Human Skin Equivalent
Models,”Environment International.June,2024.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2024.108772
A study of 17 commonly-used synthetic 'forever chemicals'has shown that these toxic
substances can readily be absorbed through human skin.
Rudiman,M,LaRossa,S.Response to Questions,Synthetic Turf Installation,Portsmouth,NH.
Weston and Sampson Email Communication to S Woodward and P Rice,City of
Portsmouth,NH with Response from Manufacturer FieldTurf (a Tarkett Company)
Regarding Claims of PFAS Free Synthetic Turf.November 5,2021.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10gh1yicHXMAjyGYhc1fi5P1OjCQQCxP9/view?usp=dr
ivesdk
Weston &Sampson Engineers,Inc.respond to questions from Diana Carpinone
regarding the synthetic turf field installation in Portsmouth,New Hampshire.The letter
confirms that FieldTurf,the manufacturer of the synthetic turf,incorrectly claimed its
product was "Fluorine Free."While the product met the project’s specifications for being
PFAS-free based on existing standards,the letter acknowledges the possibility of fluorine
presence in the natural environment and emphasizes the limitations of current testing
technologies.The company conducted PFAS testing using EPA Method 537.1,but did not
verify whether specific PFAS polymers,such as PTFE or PVDF,were used.This
correspondence highlights the complexities and gaps in testing for fluorine-based
compounds in synthetic turf materials.
Rice,Peter (Director of Public Works,City of Portsmouth,NH).Updated Information Regarding
Manufacturing Process and New Athletic Field.December 6,2021.
https://nontoxicdovernh.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/portsmouth-pvdf-po
lymer-memo-12-6-2021-.pdf
Rickard,Brittany P.,Imran Rizvi,and Suzanne E.Fenton."Per-and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances
(PFAS)and Female Reproductive Outcomes:PFAS Elimination,Endocrine-Mediated
Effects,and Disease.”Toxicology 465 (2022):153031.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tox.2021.153031.
Siegel,Kyle R.,Brooklynn R.Murray,Jeff Gearhart,and Christopher D.Kassotis."In Vitro
Endocrine and Cardiometabolic Toxicity Associated with Artificial Turf Materials."
Department of Pharmacology and Institute of Environmental Health Sciences,Wayne
State University,Ecology Center.September 6,2024.
This study examines the potential health risks of artificial turf materials,analyzing both
new and weathered samples.The findings indicate that weathered turf samples had
stronger effects on various hormone receptors,including androgen,estrogen,and thyroid
receptors.Additionally,all turf extracts activated a receptor linked to toxin processing
(AhR),with some causing heart cell toxicity in rats.These results raise concerns about
the endocrine and cardiometabolic effects of artificial turf materials,warranting further
investigation into their impact on human health.
Tabuchi,Hiroko.“Lawyers to Plastics Makers:Prepare for ‘Astronomical’PFAS Lawsuits.”
New York Times.May 28,2024.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/28/climate/pfas-forever-chemicals-industry-lawsuits.h
tml
Thomas,Liji.“ADHD Symptoms Linked to Early Childhood Exposure to Polyfluoroalkyl
Substances.”News Medical Life Sciences.March 28,2023.
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230328/ADHD-symptoms-linked-to-early-childho
od-exposure-to-polyfluoroalkyl-substances.aspx.
Toxic Use Reduction Institute.“Per-and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)in Artificial Turf
Carpet.”February 2020.
https://www.turi.org/publications/per-and-poly-fluoroalkyl-substances-pfas-in-artificial-tu
rf-carpet-2/
This nonprofit report addresses the challenges in testing for PFAS (Per-and
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)in artificial turf and other solid materials.It highlights the
difficulty of detecting the full range of PFAS due to the vast number of chemicals in the
class and the limitations of current testing methods,which are primarily developed for
water rather than solid materials.The report suggests that the industry's claims of
"PFAS-free"products can be misleading,as the absence of specific PFAS in tests does not
confirm the absence of all PFAS.The use of Total Fluorine Analysis and TOP assays is
recommended for a broader understanding of PFAS presence.Additionally,the report
cites research that detected PFAS in artificial turf fibers and backing,including both
short-chain and long-chain PFAS,raising concerns about their environmental impact and
health risks.
Also watch Dr.Kyla Bennett’s presentation in our webinar held on 4/30/24 for more on
the industry’s claims on “PFAS-free.”As the Science Director of the non-profit PEER,
Dr.Bennett and her team have been testing artificial turfs claimed by the industry as
“PFAS-free.”None to date has lived up to the claim.
Toxic Use Reduction Institute.“Playground Surfacing:Choosing Safer Materials for Children’s
Health and the Environment.”December 2018.
https://www.uml.edu/docs/Playground_surfacing_report_Dec2023_tcm18-377890.pdf.
University of Birmingham.“New Study Confirms Forever Chemicals are Absorbed Through
Human Skin.”Phys.Org.June 24,2024.
https://phys.org/news/2024-06-chemicals-absorbed-human-skin.amp
Issues with Plant-Based /Organic Infills
Green,Laura C.Ph.D.,D.A.B.T.“Risks to Public Health from Chemicals Found in Brock Infill
and in Soil at Playing Field.”January 12,2021.
https://www.mvcommission.org/sites/default/files/docs/Laura%20Green%20Health%20R
isk%20Assessment_Brockfill%20and%20MV%20Soils_Jan%2012_2021.pdf
This presentation to Martha’s Vineyard Commission in MA by a synturf industry
supporter Laura Green demonstrates the presence of PFAS in organic wood chip infills
sold as BrockFill.
Kristen Mello.Email to Mayor Eachern,City of Portsmouth,NH Regarding Additional PFAS
Testing of FieldTurf Vertex,Schmidt Shock Pad and SafeShell infill installed June 2021.
July 5,2022.
https://nontoxicdovernh.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/wraft-pfas-portsmo
uthletter-5july2022.pdf
The letter by Kristen Mello,M.Sc.in Analytical Chemistry,addresses concerns about
PFAS contamination in synthetic turf materials,specifically referencing testing results
from Portsmouth,New Hampshire.It details the findings of both known and unidentified
PFAS compounds in various components of artificial turf,such as the Field Turf carpet,
Schmitz Foam ProPlay pad,and Greentech Safeshell infill,with results showing the
presence of multiple toxic chemicals including GenX,HFPO-DA,and other proprietary
PFAS.These findings contradict industry claims that certain turf products are "PFAS
free."The letter highlights the potential risks to public health and the environment,
emphasizing the need for strict oversight and accountability from city officials,especially
in holding contractors responsible for their promises of PFAS-free materials.In light of
new EPA advisories that drastically reduce acceptable PFAS exposure levels,the letter
urges city officials to take every measure to limit contamination and protect taxpayers
from future costs related to turf field replacement,remediation,and disposal.
Massey,Rachel,Lindsey Pollard,and Homero Harari."Artificial Turf Infill:A Comparative
Assessment of Chemical Contents."Journal of Hazardous Materials 30,no.1 (February
23,2020).https://doi.org/10.1177/1048291120906206.
This study conducts a hazard-based comparison of tire crumb infill with other synthetic,
plant-,and mineral-based alternatives used in artificial turf.The analysis reveals that no
infill material is free of toxic chemicals,but some alternatives may pose a lower risk than
tire crumb.However,certain alternative infills still contain chemicals of concern,albeit
in smaller amounts.The authors encourage communities to consider all infill options,
including organically managed natural grass,when selecting playing surfaces.
Siegel,Kyle R.,Brooklynn R.Murray,Jeff Gearhart,and Christopher D.Kassotis."In Vitro
Endocrine and Cardiometabolic Toxicity Associated with Artificial Turf Materials."
Department of Pharmacology and Institute of Environmental Health Sciences,Wayne
State University,Ecology Center.September 6,2024.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.etap.2024.104562
In this study,Siegel et al.(2024)investigate the endocrine and cardiometabolic toxicity of
various artificial turf materials,including organic infills like Safe Shell and EnviroFill.
The findings reveal that most non-weathered and weathered extracts significantly
activated androgen receptors (AR),raising concerns about potential hormonal
disruption.While Safe Shell was the only infill that did not reduce cell viability at high
concentrations,it still activated AR,indicating potential endocrine risks.This research
underscores the potential dangers of organic infills,which may pose similar health risks
to traditional synthetic turf materials.
Woelke,Dianne.“Greenwashing:Mineral and Plant Based Infills for Synthetic Turf Systems.”
April 28,2000.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H6I28zSIjN080vXjwTHH5CHlFj1kIfFC/edit?usp
=sharing&ouid=106106732686023309618&rtpof=true&sd=true
Dianne Woelke,a founding board member of Safe and Healthy Playing Fields,discusses
problems with mineral,organic and plant-based infills such as cork.See independently
tested cork and walnut infills resulting positive for PFAS here,here,and here.This report
by an award-winning Australian citizen journalist John Englart in 2021 also mentions
70%additional lifecycle carbon emissions with plant-based infills.Also see this 2023
study.Even a presentation by the industry to the Martha’s Vineyard Comission supports
the presence of PFAS in plant-based infills.
Issues with Filtration of Runoffs
Brown,Erina,Anna MacDonald,Steve Allen,Deonie Allen.“The Potential for a Plastic
Recycling Facility to Release Microplastic Pollution and Possible Filtration Remediation
Effectiveness.”Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances.May 2023.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazadv.2023.100309
The UK study shows that the filtration system installed at the plastic recycling facility is
effective at removing the majority of microplastics larger than 5µm,with particularly
high removal efficiencies for those larger than 40µm.However,the filtration is
ineffective at removing microplastics smaller than 5µm,which are subsequently
discharged into the environment.The recommendation for additional filtration indicates
that the current system does not adequately address all microplastic pollution,
particularly the smaller particles.
Chand,Rupa,Lucian Iordachescu,Frida Bäckbom,Angelica Andreasson,Cecilia Bertholds,
Emelie Pollack,Marziye Molazadeh,Claudia Lorenz,Asbjørn Haaning Nielsen,and Jes
Vollertsen."Treating Wastewater for Microplastics to a Level on Par with Nearby Marine
Waters."Water Research 256 (June 1,2024).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2024.121647.
The Swedish study conducted at a wastewater treatment plant focuses on the retention of
microplastics ranging from 10 to 500 µm.The plant's filtration system,which achieved a
99.98%removal efficiency,utilizes a combination of mechanical,biological,and
chemical treatments,and includes rapid sand filtration with pore sizes ranging from 15
to 30 µm—much smaller than the 212-micron pore size proposed by Cornell’s filtration
system.Their success is due to the integration of multiple processes,rather than relying
solely on mechanical filtration.
However,it's important to note that this study did not target or remove sub-micron
nanoparticles,which the Korean TENG study addressed using an electrophoretic
method (Park et al.,2022,below).A 212-micron pore size would allow many smaller
microplastics and essentially all nanoplastics to pass through unfiltered.This is a
significant limitation,especially given the concerns about these tiny particles in aquatic
environments.Systems designed to remove such small particles,like the TENG system,
operate on entirely different principles because traditional filtration alone isn’t enough
at those scales.
Cornell's system would primarily capture larger particles and debris but would not
address the growing problem of microplastic and nanoparticle pollution,which is
where the Korean TENG system proves more effective for smaller-sized contaminants
(Park,et al,2022,below).
Park,Byung-Geon,Cheoljae Lee,Young-Jun Kim,Jinhyoung Park,Hyeok Kim,Young
Jung,Jong Soo Ko,Sang-Woo Kim,Ju-Hyuck Lee,Hanchul Cho.“Toxic
Micro/Nano Particles Removal in Water via Triboelectric Nanogenerator.”Nano
Energy,2022;100:107433 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoen.2022.107433
This study demonstrates a new approach using a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG)for
removing micro-and sub-micron nanoparticles from water smaller than 1µm,
leveraging an electrophoretic process driven by the electric field generated by the TENG.
Even with the use of advanced materials like the porous-pyramid polydimethylsiloxane
(PDMS)layer,the system achieved only a 21.4%removal rate.While this method
represents progress in the field of microplastic remediation,it underscores significant
limitations in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness for large-scale applications.
Cornell's filtration proposal,discussed at the Ithaca City Planning Board meeting on
9/3/24,suggests using filters with its huge pore sizes of 0.212 mm (212µm),which are
considerably larger than those used in the TENG system.
Given that this advanced TENG system with smaller pores and electrical enhancement
was only able to capture a fraction of microplastic pollutants,serious concerns arise
about the efficacy of the filtration methods proposed by Cornell.It is questionable
whether such a method will adequately address micro and nano plastic contamination
from synthetic turf runoff.
A screenshot from City of Ithaca Public Meetings.“08-12-2024 Project Review
Committee.”August 12,2024.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANoPGiZIv2c&t=855s
Rather than relying on ineffective filtration,it would be far more responsible to critically
evaluate and reduce the sources of unnecessary plastic pollution—such as synthetic
turf—which contributes significantly to the problem.Cornell’s current plan falls short of
effectively mitigating environmental risks,given the evidence of limited success even with
more sophisticated technologies.
Silva,Ana L.P.,Joana C.Prata,Armando C.Duarte,Amadeu M.V.M.Soares,Damià Barceló,
Teresa Rocha-Santos.“Microplastics in Landfill Leachates:The Need for
Reconnaissance Studies and Remediation Technologies.”Case Studies in Chemical and
Environmental Engineering.June 2021.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscee.2020.100072
This study highlights how microplastics and nanoplastics in landfill leachates contribute
to the increased leaching of plastic additives,such as plasticizers,and facilitate the
adsorption/desorption of hazardous chemicals and pathogens in water.The presence of
these plastics raises significant concerns about environmental and human health impacts.
Chemicals from plastics,including PFAS,BPA,cadmium,mercury,and lead,are often
water-soluble and persistent,making them difficult to remove from water systems with
mechanical filtration.As plastics degrade,their surface area increases,accelerating the
release of harmful substances.The authors stress the importance of developing
remediation technologies to address these threats.
Issues of Air Emission
There is growing research and concern on airborne microplastics pollution and that synthetic
turf has been identified as one source for this pollution.Here are some very recent researches on
airborne transport of microplastics.
Abad López,Angela Patricia,Jorge Trilleras,Victoria A.Arana,Luz Stella Garcia-Alzate,and
Carlos David Grande-Tovar."Atmospheric Microplastics:Exposure,Toxicity,and
Detrimental Health Effects."RSC Advances 13 (March 2023):7468-7489.
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RA07098G
Abad López et al.provide a comprehensive review of the sources,transport mechanisms,
and health impacts of airborne microplastics (MPs).The authors emphasize how MPs,
due to their low density,can accumulate and be transported in the atmosphere,leading to
human exposure through inhalation and ingestion.The review highlights the potential
toxicity of MPs based on their physical characteristics,chemical composition,and
environmental interactions.The authors call for further research into the health
implications of airborne MPs exposure and advocate for policies to mitigate plastic
pollution.This study is particularly relevant for understanding the contribution of
synthetic materials,such as artificial turf,to microplastic pollution in the air.
Aini,Sofi Azilan,Achmad Syafiuddin,and Grace-Anne Bent."The Presence of Microplastics in
Air Environment and Their Potential Impacts on Health."Environmental and Toxicology
Management 2,no.1 (2022):31-39.
https://103.106.72.77/index.php/ETM/article/download/2900/1663
Aini et al.present a literature review on the presence of microplastics (MPs)in the air,
addressing the lack of previous research in this area compared to water pollution.The
authors review 16 studies,which highlight the prevalence of airborne MPs,particularly
fibers,due to their lightness and thread-like shape that allows them to be easily carried
by wind.The review also identifies three main pathways for MPs to enter the human
body:inhalation,ingestion through seafood and bottled water,and contamination of
various food products.
Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL).Breathing Plastic:The Health Impacts of
Invisible Plastics in the Air.March 2023.
https://www.ciel.org/reports/airborne-microplastics-briefing/
The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL)report Breathing Plastic
provides a detailed analysis of the health impacts of airborne microplastics and
nanoplastics.The review highlights the risks posed by inhaling these particles as they
move through the air,emphasizing that rising plastic production will lead to an increase
in airborne microplastic emissions and toxic chemical exposure.The report calls for a
significant reduction in plastic production and the phasing out of hazardous chemicals.
The footnotes at the end of the report are current and highly valuable.
In this context,Cornell’s plans to purchase and install synthetic turf fields,which
contribute to plastic production,will not help curtail the air pollution caused by
microplastics,further exacerbating the environmental and public health crisis.We also
note that Cornell’s plans to install synthetic turf field inside of an indoor fieldhouse,raise
concerns about student athletes'exposure to airborne microplastics,potentially posing
significant health risks.
Huang,Qian’en,Jianqun Wang,Jianping Wang,Dongmei Yu,Yuanbo Zhan,and Ze Liu.
“Emerging Health Risks of Crumb Rubber:Inhalation of Environmentally Persistent Free
Radicals via Saliva During Artificial Turf Activities.”Environmental Science &
Technology 57,no.50 (2023):21005–21015.https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c03278.
This study investigates the health risks associated with crumb rubber (CR)infill used in
artificial turf,focusing on the presence of environmentally persistent free radicals
(EPFRs).The researchers found widespread CR particles and EPFRs in the air
surrounding artificial turf fields,with levels increasing over time.Analysis of saliva
samples from participants revealed the presence of EPFRs after exercising on the turf,
indicating a potential inhalation pathway.The study suggests that exposure to CR with
EPFRs could increase health risks by altering saliva composition and its oxidative
potential,raising concerns about the safety of artificial turf infill.
Mehmood,Tariq,and Licheng Peng."Polyethylene Scaffold Net and Synthetic Grass
Fragmentation:A Source of Microplastics in the Atmosphere?"Journal of Hazardous
Materials 429 (May 2022):128391.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128391
Mehmood and Peng explore the growing concern surrounding microplastics (MPs)in
urban atmospheres,particularly focusing on polyethylene (PE),which dominates ambient
MPs in China’s megacities.They investigate the sources of airborne PE,such as scaffold
netting and synthetic grass used in construction and land covering.These materials,often
made from recycled plastic and exposed to open air,are prone to degradation and
fragmentation,contributing to atmospheric pollution.The authors emphasize the health
risks associated with PE exposure in urban air and highlight the need for regulation to
mitigate these risks.This study offers insights into the overlooked role of synthetic grass
and construction materials as significant contributors to airborne microplastics.
Independent Test Results for PFAS
Non-Toxic Dover,Non-Toxic Portsmouth.Public Records Request Confirms PFAS in Synthetic
Turf:Turf Fiber Report Release.Non-Toxic Dover (Dover,New Hampshire).October
18,2019.
https://nontoxicdovernh.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/turf-fiber-test-results-sprint-turf-1.p
df
Non-Toxic Dover,Non-Toxic Portsmouth.Public Records Request Confirms PFAS in Synthetic
Turf:Turf Backing Report Release.Non-Toxic Dover (Dover,New Hampshire).
November 12,2019.
https://nontoxicdovernh.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/turf-backing-test-results-sprint-turf.
pdf
Berghaus,E.Declaration for FieldTurf/Tarkett Sports Regarding the Manufacturing of Artificial
Turf Filaments.Letter sent to City of Portsmouth,NH.October 22,2019.
https://nontoxicdovernh.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/met-pfas-statement-fieldturf-1.pdf
Gearhardt,Jefferey,Director of Research,The Ecology Center,Ann Arbor,MI.Letter to
Portsmouth,NH City Council and Director of Finance and Administration.1 Jun 2020.
https://nontoxicdovernh.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/june1_portsmouthpfas.pdf
This letter,addressed to the Portsmouth City Council,discusses the challenges of
accurately testing for PFAS in synthetic turf fibers.The author reports that,despite
claims of PFAS-free turf,their research detected fluorine,a potential indicator of PFAS,
in all nine synthetic turf fibers tested.One sample from the Tom Daubney Field in
Portsmouth showed 79 parts per million (ppm)of fluorine,indicating the likely presence
of PFAS,despite PFAS-free claims.The letter highlights concerns about the inadequacy
of EPA Method 537.1,which is designed for water testing and does not detect all possible
PFAS chemicals.The author advocates for more comprehensive testing methods to ensure
accurate PFAS detection in synthetic turf.
Galbraith Laboratories.PFAS results.11 year old FieldTurf Duraspine Playing Field,
Portsmouth,NH (Final item only;other items tested were other consumer products).
February 21,2022.
https://nontoxicdovernh.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/totalflabreport120355.pdf
Galbraith Laboratories.PFAS results.FieldTurf Vertex with Schmidt shock pad and Safeshell
(walnut)infill.June 2021 Installation.July 23,2021.
https://nontoxicdovernh.files.wordpress.com/2021/09/pfas-testing-721-galbraith-cc-samp
les.pdf
Rudiman,M,LaRossa,S.Response to Questions,Synthetic Turf Installation,Portsmouth,NH.
Weston and Sampson Email Communication to S Woodward and P Rice,City of
Portsmouth,NH with Response from Manufacturer FieldTurf (a Tarkett Company)
Regarding Claims of PFAS Free Synthetic Turf.November 5,2021.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10gh1yicHXMAjyGYhc1fi5P1OjCQQCxP9/view?usp=dr
ivesdk
Weston &Sampson Engineers,Inc.respond to questions from Diana Carpinone
regarding the synthetic turf field installation in Portsmouth,New Hampshire.The letter
confirms that FieldTurf,the manufacturer of the synthetic turf,incorrectly claimed its
product was "Fluorine Free."While the product met the project’s specifications for being
PFAS-free based on existing standards,the letter acknowledges the possibility of fluorine
presence in the natural environment and emphasizes the limitations of current testing
technologies.The company conducted PFAS testing using EPA Method 537.1,but did not
verify whether specific PFAS polymers,such as PTFE or PVDF,were used.This
correspondence highlights the complexities and gaps in testing for fluorine-based
compounds in synthetic turf materials.
Same Product as for Portsmouth:
Bennett,Kyla."Response to Questions -Portsmouth,New Hampshire Synthetic Turf
Field Installation."Letter to Kimberly Henry,City Planner,City of Los Angeles.July 11,
2023.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10ZQayc15_pUBkKXkhyh2ZxfNTtH7p7CY/view?usp=d
rivesdk
Bennett,representing Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER),
critiques the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR)for the Harvard-Westlake River
Park Project in Los Angeles,highlighting concerns about the inadequate assessment of
PFAS in artificial turf.The letter disputes the FEIR's dismissal of PFAS exposure risks,
including the claim that drinking water is the primary route of exposure.Bennett provides
evidence that PFAS are present in synthetic turf and that microplastics and crumb rubber,
used as infill,pose environmental and health hazards,including cancer risks.The letter
emphasizes the failure of the FEIR to consider the full scope of these issues and argues
for the environmentally preferable alternative of natural grass.
FieldTurf.Warranty and Certification,“Free of PFAS,PFOS,Fluorine.”April 7,2021.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15eNMZ4T0KuNGIzVzErHQ-u-_lA8084XU/view?usp=d
rivesdk
Mello,Kristin.Follow-up to 11/17/21 PFAS-Field Work Session.Email communication
to Mayor Becksted,Council Member,City Manager,City Attorney.Nov 21,2021.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13kTZrbFrLulPcMF38pjR25tB3-2mbs_qcnirJmYy
T5U/edit
Whipple,John (NHDES MtBE Remediation Bureau).Portsmouth -Sagamore Creek
Surface Water Sampling,DES #202111042,Project #40379,Project Type
EMCONFUND.December 3,2021.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GMM5IEW_6NuP4rNfRoy0U0ujprnjOK57/view?usp=d
rivesdk
Rice,Peter (Director of Public Works,City of Portsmouth,NH).Updated Information
Regarding Manufacturing Process and New Athletic Field.December 6,2021.
https://nontoxicdovernh.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/portsmouth-pvdf-po
lymer-memo-12-6-2021-.pdf
Microplastics and Public Health,and More Toxic Substances in Plastics
De Haan,William P.,Rocío Quintana,César Vilas,Andrés Cózar,Miquel Canals,Oriol Uviedo,
and Anna Sanchez-Vidal.“The Dark Side of Artificial Greening:Plastic Turfs as
Widespread Pollutants of Aquatic Environments.”Environmental Pollution 334 (2023):
122094.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122094.
This Barcelona study found that up to 15%of the larger microplastic pieces in the
environment come from artificial turf.This significant fiber loss contributed to the
University of California,Santa Barbara's decision to choose natural grass over artificial
turf,supported by the California Coastal Commission,on December 13,2023.
Ducroquet,Simon,Shannon Osaka.“The Plastics We Breathe.”The Washington Post.June 10,
2024.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/interactive/2024/microplastics-air
-human-body-organs-spread/
“Every time you take a breath,you could be inhaling microplastics.Scroll to see how tiny
and dangerously invasive they can be.”
EHN Curators."Microplastics Found in Brain Tissue in New Study."Environmental Health
News,September 18,2024.
https://www.ehn.org/microplastics-found-in-brain-tissue-in-new-study-2669221476.html
Gewin,Virginia.“Tracking Tire Plastics -and Chemicals -From Road to Plate”Civil Eats,July
16,2024.
https://civileats.com/2024/07/16/tracking-tire-plastics-and-chemicals-from-road-to-plate/
Ginsberg,Gary,Brian Toal,and Tara Kurland.“Benzothiazole Toxicity Assessment in Support
of Synthetic Turf Field Human Health Risk Assessment.”Journal of Toxicology and
Environmental Health,Part A 74,no.17 (2011):1175–83.
https://doi.org/10.1080/15287394.2011.586943.
Gore,Andrea C.,Michele A.La Merrill,Heather Patisaul,and Robert M.Sargis.“Endocrine
Disrupting Chemical Threats to Human Health:Pesticides,Plastics,Forever Chemicals,
and Beyond.”Endocrine Society.February 2024.
https://ipen.org/sites/default/files/documents/edc_report-2024-final-compressed.pdf.
Hua,Jing Martin Lundqvist,Shanti Naidu,Mikael T.Ekvall,Tommy Cedervall.“Environmental
Risks of Breakdown Nanoplastics from Synthetic Football Fields.”Environmental
Pollution.April,2024.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123652.
This study investigates the health risks associated with synthetic turf,focusing on the
detection and toxicity of nanoplastics in drainage water from a synthetic football field.
The research found trace amounts of nanoplastics from EPDM granules,which exhibited
high toxicity to aquatic organisms.These findings underscore the urgent need for further
research into the harmful effects of nanoplastics from synthetic turf surfaces.
Negev,Maya,Zohar Barnett-Itzhaki,Tamar Berman,Shay Reicher,Naor Cohen,Ruti Ardi,
Yaniv Shammai,Tamar Zohar,and Miriam L.Diamond.“Hazardous Chemicals in
Outdoor and Indoor Surfaces:Artificial Turf and Laminate Flooring.”Journal of
Exposure Science &Environmental Epidemiology 32,no.3 (2022):392–399.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41370-021-00396-4.
Kozlove,Max.“Microplastics Linked to Heart Attack,Stroke and Death.”Scientific American
(Reprinted from Nature magazine).March 9,2024.
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/microplastics-linked-to-heart-attack-stroke-an
d-death/
Levine,Hagai,Niels Jørgensen,Anderson Martino-Andrade,Jaime Mendiola,Dan
Weksler-Derri,Maya Jolles,Rachel Pinotti,and Shanna H.Swan.“Temporal Trends in
Sperm Count:A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis of Samples Collected
Globally in the 20th and 21st Centuries."Human Reproduction Update 29,no.2 (2023):
157–76.https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmac035.
Main,Douglas.“Microplastics are infiltrating brain tissue,studies show:‘There’s nowhere left
untouched.’”Guardian.August 21,2024.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/aug/21/microplastics-brain-pollut
ion-health?CMP=fb_gu&ai=#Echobox=1724256011
Martin Wagner,Laura Monclús,Hans Peter H.Arp,Ksenia J.Groh,Mari E.Løseth,Jane
Muncke,Zhanyun Wang,Raoul Wolf,and Lisa Zimmermann.“State of the Science on
Plastic Chemicals:Identifying and Addressing Chemicals and Polymers of Concern.”
PlastChem.2024.http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10701706.
Meegoda,J.N.,and M.C.Hettiarachchi."A Path to a Reduction in Micro and Nanoplastics
Pollution."International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 20,no.8
(April 18,2023):5555.https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20085555.
Meegoda and Hettiarachchi outline the growing problem of microplastic (MP)and
nanoplastic pollution,identifying artificial turf as one of the contributing sources of MPs.
The authors emphasize the challenges of removing MPs from the environment and stress
that source reduction is one of the most effective strategies for protecting human health
and the environment.
Murphy,Maire,Genoa R.Warner.“Health Impacts of Artificial Turf:Toxicity Studies,
Challenges,and Future Directions.”Environmental Pollution.October 1,2022.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119841
Project TENDR.“Protecting the Developing Brains of Children from the Harmful Effects of
Plastics and Toxic Chemicals in Plastics.”April 2024.
https://projecttendr.thearc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Project-TENDR_Plastics-Brie
fing-Paper_April-2024.pdf.
Sankaran,Vishwam.“Massive New Study Uncovers Over 4,000 Toxic Chemicals in Plastic.”
Independent.March 15,2024.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/plastic-toxic-chemicals-health-effects-b251
3082.html
Sankaran,Vishwam.“Drinking from Plastic Bottles Can Raise Type 2 Diabetes Risk,Study
Warns.”Independent.June 25,2024.
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/plastic-bottles-microplastics
-diabetes-risk-b2568246.html
Silva,Ana L.P.,Joana C.Prata,Armando C.Duarte,Amadeu M.V.M.Soares,Damià Barceló,
Teresa Rocha-Santos.“Microplastics in Landfill Leachates:The Need for
Reconnaissance Studies and Remediation Technologies.”Case Studies in Chemical and
Environmental Engineering.June 2021.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscee.2020.100072
This study highlights how microplastics and nanoplastics in landfill leachates contribute
to the increased leaching of plastic additives,such as plasticizers,and facilitate the
adsorption/desorption of hazardous chemicals and pathogens in water.The presence of
these plastics raises significant concerns about environmental and human health impacts.
Chemicals from plastics,including PFAS,BPA,cadmium,mercury,and lead,are often
water-soluble and persistent,making them difficult to remove from water systems even
with filtration.As plastics degrade,their surface area increases,accelerating the release
of harmful substances.The authors stress the importance of developing remediation
technologies to address these threats.
Tarafdar,Abhrajyoti,Min-Ju Oh,Quynh Nguyen-Phuong,and Jung-Hwan Kwon.“Profiling and
Potential Cancer Risk Assessment on Children Exposed to PAHs in Playground
Dust/Soil:A Comparative Study on Poured Rubber Surfaced and Classical Soil
Playgrounds in Seoul.”Environmental Geochemistry and Health.May 27,2019.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-019-00334-2
This Korean study found that children who play on used tire crumb playgrounds,
commonly referred to as PIP (poured in place),are 10 times more likely to develop
cancer than those who played on soil surfaces.
Woelke,Dianne.“Greenwashing:Mineral and Plant Based Infills for Synthetic Turf Systems.”
April 28,2000.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H6I28zSIjN080vXjwTHH5CHlFj1kIfFC/edit?usp
=sharing&ouid=106106732686023309618&rtpof=true&sd=true
Dianne Woelke,a board member of Safe and Healthy Playing Fields,discusses problems
with mineral,organic and plant-based infills such as cork.See independently tested cork
and walnut infills resulting positive for PFAS here,here,and here.This report by an
award-winning Australian citizen journalist John Englart in 2021 also mentions 70%
additional off-gassing with plant-based infills.Also see this 2023 study.Even a
presentation by the industry to the Martha’s Vineyard Comission supports the presence of
PFAS in plant-based infills.
Zhu,Xia,Matthew J.Hoffman,and Chelsea M.Rochman.“A City-Wide Emissions Inventory of
Plastic Pollution.”Environmental Science &Technology.February 1,2024.
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c04348
This study provides a comprehensive framework for quantifying plastic emissions in
urban environments,with a case study focusing on Toronto,Canada.Notably,it identifies
artificial turf as the largest contributor to microplastic pollution in the city,emitting 237
tonnes in 2020—surpassing other sources,including clothing.The research highlights the
importance of targeting synthetic turf in microplastic reduction strategies and
recommends scaling this measurement framework globally to track progress toward
reducing plastic pollution.
Environmental Justice and Plastic Lifecycle
Barton,J,Rogerson,M.“The Importance of Greenspace for Mental Health.”BJPsych
International.November 1,2017.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5663018/
Butler,Megan.“Panel Asked to Hold Georgia’s ‘Carpet Capital’Liable for Contaminated
Drinking Water.”Courthouse News Service.September 13,2022.
https://www.courthousenews.com/panel-asked-to-hold-georgias-carpet-capital-liable-for-
contaminated-drinking-water/.
Beyond Plastics.“Environmental Justice:How and Why Plastic Threatens Environmental
Justice.”https://www.beyondplastics.org/fact-sheets/environmental-justice.
Beyond Plastics.“The Real Truth About the U.S.Plastics Recycling Rate.”May 2022.
https://www.beyondplastics.org/publications/us-plastics-recycling-rate.
Bruggers,James.“Who Said Recycling Was Green?It Makes Microplastics by the Ton.”Inside
Climate News.May 16,2023.
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/16052023/recycling-plastic-microplastics-waste/.
Lakhani,Nina.“Millions of Americans Lack Access to Quality Parks,Report Reveals
Low-income Households and People of Color in Cities Are Least Likely to Live Near
Decent Green Spaces.”The Guardian.May 20,2020.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/may/20/park-inequality-access-coronavi
rus-wellbeing
Devon C.Payne-Sturges,Tanya Khemet Taiwo,Kristie Ellickson,Haley Mullen,Nedelina
Tchangalova,Laura Anderko,Aimin Chen,and Maureen Swanson.“Disparities in Toxic
Chemical Exposures and Associated Neurodevelopmental Outcomes:A Scoping Review
and Systematic Evidence Map of the Epidemiological Literature”Environmental Health
Perspectives.July 29,2023.https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11750
This scoping review examines disparities in neurodevelopmental outcomes among
children from marginalized communities,focusing on exposure to neurotoxicants like air
pollution,lead,and pesticides.The findings reveal that children from low-income and
racial or ethnic minority backgrounds are disproportionately affected by these harmful
exposures,which has significant implications for environmental justice.The review
underscores the need for targeted interventions and policy changes to address both the
chemical exposures and the social inequities that contribute to these health disparities.
Dong,Yuping,Helin Liu,and Tianming Zheng.2021."The Impacts of Green Space Structure on
Asthma in Toronto,Canada"Medical Sciences Forum 4,no.1:6.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ECERPH-3-09123
Englart,John.“Natural Grass or Synthetic Turf?What are the Total Life Cycle Emission
Profiles.”Climate Action Merri-Bek.February 28,2021.
https://climateactionmoreland.org/2021/02/28/natural-grass-or-synthetic-turf-what-are-th
e-total-life-cycle-emission-profiles/
GAIA.“Environmental Justice Principles for Fast Action on Waste and Methane.”2024.
https://www.no-burn.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/environmental-justice-principles-E
N-single-pages.pdf.
Lannaman,Mark.“City of Calhoun Sued over PFAS in Drinking Water.”Saporta Report.April
3,2024.https://saportareport.com/city-of-calhoun-sued-over-pfas-in-drinking-water.
Larker,Barber,and David Gambacorta.“‘Forever Fields’:How Pennsylvania Became a
Dumping Ground for Discarded Artificial Turf.”The Philadelphia Inquirer.December
13,2023.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/artificial-turf-pfas-rematch-pennsylvania-d
umping-ground-20231213.html.
Larker,Barber,and David Gambacorta.“‘Risky Play:A Stew of Toxic Chemicals Lurks in
Artificial Turf.Some Experts Worry They Could be Linked to Cancer in Young
Athletes.”The Philadelphia Inquirer.February 20,2024.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/inq2/pfas-artificial-turf-cancer-athletes-pen
nsylvania-nj-20240220.html#loaded
In their article on the potential health risks associated with artificial turf,Larker,Barber,
and Gambacorta discuss the various arguments surrounding its use.One of the more
provocative points raised is highlighted in the following quote by Danni Moriwich,Danni
Morinich,a green space advocate and urban forager:“One of [the arguments]they’re
pushing is,if you’re against this master plan,then you’re against Black and brown kids
having a safe place to play,”she said.“As a Black woman,that really boils my
potatoes.”
Lundstrom,Marjie.“Artificial Turf,Touted as Recycling Fix for Millions of Scrap Tires,
Becomes Mounting Disposal Mess.”Salon.December 21,2019.
https://www.salon.com/2019/12/21/artificial-turf-touted-as-recycling-fix-for-millions-of-s
crap-tires-becomes-mounting-disposal-mess_partner/.
Mathes,Carter.Letter to Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver Requesting Her Support to Keep
Columbian Park a Green Space.Rise Up East Orange [NJ],Building a Stronger
Chocolate City.September 15,2021.https://eastorangenj.wordpress.com
NRCD.“New NRDC ‘Chemical Recycling’Analysis:Process is Harmful,Misleading,Not
Solving Plastic Pollution.”March 7,2022.
https://www.nrdc.org/press-releases/new-nrdc-chemical-recycling-analysis-process-harmf
ul-misleading-not-solving-plastic.
Phillips,Anna.“Texans Sued Exxon over Pollution 13 Years Ago.A Big Decision Now Looms.”
The Washington Post.March 16,2023.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/03/15/exxon-pollution-laws
uit-baytown-texas//.
The Exxon complex in the Baytown and Houston,TX area has a new controversial
chemical recycling plant which processes plastics,including artificial turfs,supplied by a
recycling company Tencate.For more information,watch Dr.Neil Carman’s presentation
in our webinar held on 4/30.Dr.Carman served as the staff leader in the lawsuit against
Exxon Mobile complex in Baytown,TX for twelve years.
Stoett,Peter,Vitória M.Scrich,Carla I.Elliff,Mariana M.Andrade,Natalia de M.Grilli,
Alexander Turra,“Global Plastic Pollution,Sustainable Development,and Plastic Justice,
World Development.”World Development.December 2024.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2024.106756.
This article discusses the detrimental impact of plastic pollution on sustainable
development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals,highlighting the lack of
sufficient indicators to monitor progress.It introduces "plastic justice"as a critical
framework to address plastic pollution as both a human rights and environmental justice
issue,advocating for equitable solutions to this global crisis.
Weir,Kirsten.“Nurtured by Nature.”American Psychological Association.April 1,2020.
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature
“Psychological research is advancing our understanding of how time in nature can
improve our mental health and sharpen our cognition.”
Wertheim,Jon.“With Hotter Temperatures Come More Football Deaths:And Black High School
Players are Disproportionately Affected.”Sports Illustrated.October 7,2022.
https://www.si.com/high-school/2022/10/07/football-climate-change-daily-cover
Younan D,Tuvblad C,Li L,Wu J,Lurmann F,Franklin M,Berhane K,McConnell R,Wu AH,
Baker LA,Chen JC.“Environmental Determinants of Aggression in Adolescents:Role of
Urban Neighborhood Greenspace.”Journal of American Academy of Child and
Adolescent Psychiatry.July 2016.doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2016.05.002.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27343886/
Failure of Plastic Recycling,“Advanced”Chemical Recycling,and Plastic
Turfs
Beyond Plastics.“New Reports Reveals that U.S.Plastics Recycling Rate Has Fallen to
5%-6%.”May 4,2022.
https://www.beyondplastics.org/press-releases/the-real-truth-about-plastics-recycling
Beyond Plastics.“Report:Chemical Recycling:A Dangerous Deception.”October 2023.
https://www.beyondplastics.org/publications/chemical-recycling
Brown,Erina,Anna MacDonald,Steve Allen,Deonie Allen.“The Potential for a Plastic
Recycling Facility to Release Microplastic Pollution and Possible Filtration Remediation
Effectiveness.”Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances.May 2023.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazadv.2023.100309
The study shows that the filtration system installed at the plastic recycling facility is
effective at removing the majority of microplastics larger than 5µm,with particularly
high removal efficiencies for those larger than 40µm.However,the filtration is
ineffective at removing microplastics smaller than 5µm,which are subsequently
discharged into the environment.The recommendation for additional filtration indicates
that the current system does not adequately address all microplastic pollution,
particularly the smaller particles.
Brock,Joe,Valerie Volcovici,and John Geddie.“The Recycling Myth:Big Oil’s Solution for
Plastic Waste Littered with Failure.”Reuters Investigates,July 29,2021.
https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/environment-plastic-oil-recycling/
ExxonMobil.“ExxonMobil Starts Large Operations at Large-Scaled Advanced Recycling
Facility.”December 14,2022.
https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/news/news-releases/2022/1214_exxonmobil-starts-ope
rations-at-large-scale-advanced-recycling-facility.
Geueke B,Phelps DW,Parkinson LV,Muncke J.Hazardous Chemicals in Recycled and
Reusable Plastic Food Packaging.Cambridge Prisms:Plastics.May 22,2023.
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/cambridge-prisms-plastics/article/hazardous-ch
emicals-in-recycled-and-reusable-plastic-food-packaging/BBDE514AAFE9F1ABB3D67
7927B343342
This review examines the health risks linked to reusing and recycling plastics,especially
in food packaging,and highlights that recycled plastics may pose greater dangers than
virgin plastics.It discusses how hazardous chemicals,including endocrine disruptors and
carcinogens,can be released during reuse or accumulate during recycling,making
recycled plastics potentially more toxic.The study draws on data from the FCCmigex
database,which includes over 800 scientific publications on plastic food contact
materials (FCMs).The findings raise significant concerns about the safety of recycled
plastics in food contact applications.
Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives.“5 Things Plastic Polluters Don’t Want You to
Know about Chemical Recycling.”2021.
https://www.no-burn.org/resources/5-things-plastic-polluters-dont-want-you-to-know-abo
ut-chemical-recycling/
Greenpeace.“Circular Claims Fall Flat:Comprehensive U.S.Survey of Plastics Recyclability.”
February 18,2020.
https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/research/report-circular-claims-fall-flat/
Greenpeace.“New Greenpeace Report Calls Out Toxic Hazards of Recycled Plastic as Global
Plastics Treaty Negotiations Resume in Paris.”May 24,2023.
https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/news/new-greenpeace-report-calls-out-toxic-hazards-of-r
ecycled-plastic-as-global-plastics-treaty-negotiations-resume-in-paris/
Hahladakis,John N.,Costas A.Velis,Roland Weber,Eleni Tacovidou,Phil Purnell.“An
Overview of Chemical Additives Present in Plastics:Migration,Release,Fate and
Environmental Impact During Their Use,Disposal and Recycling.”Journal of Hazardous
Materials.February 15,2018.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030438941730763X?via%3Dihub
Hahn,Jennifer.“Recycled Plastics Often Contain More Toxic Chemicals Says Greenpeace.”
DeZeen.May 26,2023.
https://www.dezeen.com/2023/05/26/recycled-plastics-greenpeace-report/
Kaufman,Leslie.“The Warehouses of Plastic Behind TerraCycle’s Recycling Dream.”
Bloomberg.October 27,2022.
https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2022-terracycle-tom-szaky/
Larker,Barber,and David Gambacorta.“‘Forever Fields’:How Pennsylvania Became a
Dumping Ground for Discarded Artificial Turf.”The Philadelphia Inquirer.December
13,2023.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/artificial-turf-pfas-rematch-pennsylvania-d
umping-ground-20231213.html.
Metzger,Luke.“Exxon Calls It a Recycling Collaboration.But It’s Not Real Recycling.”
Environment Texas.May 9,2024.
https://environmentamerica.org/texas/articles/exxon-calls-it-a-recycling-collaboration-but
-its-not-real-recycling/
McVeigh,Karen.“Recycling Can Release Huge Quantities of Microplastics,Study Finds.”The
Guardian,May 23,2023.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/23/recycling-can-release-huge-qua
ntities-of-microplastics-study-finds
The study suggests the recycling plant discharged up to 2,933 metric tonnes of
microplastics a year before the filtration system was introduced,and up to 1,366 metric
tonnes afterwards.
NL Times.“Large Fire at Brabant Artificial Turf Company.”October 12,2018.
https://nltimes.nl/2018/10/12/large-fire-brabant-artificial-turf-company
Noor,Dharna.“Shell Quietly Backs Away from Pledge to Increase ‘Advanced Recycling’of
Plastics.”The Guardian.July 17,2024
https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/jul/17/shell-recycling-plastic-pledge
“Energy giant promised to turn 1m tonnes of plastic waste into oil each year,but now
says the goal is unfeasible.”
Philips,Anna.“Toxic Air Explosions:Inside the Bitter Battle between Texas Residents and
Exxon:Residents of Baytown Sued Exxon 13 Years Ago to Reduce Pollution that Wafts
into Their Neighborhoods.A Key Legal Decision Looms,and the Case Could Have
National Implications.”The Washington Post.March 16,2023.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/03/15/exxon-pollution-laws
uit-baytown-texas/
The Exxon complex in the Baytown and Houston,TX area has a new controversial
chemical recycling plant which processes plastics,including artificial turfs,supplied by a
recycling company Tencate.For more information,watch Dr.Neil Carman’s presentation
in our webinar held on 4/30/24.Dr.Carman served as the staff leader in the lawsuit
against Exxon Mobile complex in Baytown,TX for twelve years.
Plastic Pollution Coalition.“What Really Happens to Your Plastic ‘Recycling.’”May 16,2022.
https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/blog/2022/5/16/what-really-happens-to-your-pl
astic-recycling
Plastic Pollution Coalition.““Advanced Recycling”is Not a Solution to Plastic Pollution.”
August 31,2022.
https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/blog/2022/8/31/advanced-recycling-truths
Plastic Pollution Coalition.“PPC Webinar |Greenwashing 2.0:Debunking Recycling Myths.”
June 5,2024.https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/event/ppc-webinar-060524
Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.“False Artificial Turf Recycling Claims
Ripped.”March 7,2022.https://peer.org/false-artificial-turf-recycling-claims-ripped/.
Song,Lisa.“Selling a Mirage:The Delusion of Advanced Plastic Recycling Using Pyrolysis.”
ProPublica.June 20,2024.
https://www.propublica.org/article/delusion-advanced-chemical-plastic-recycling-pyrolys
is
Bans,Moratoriums,Municipal Recommendations
City of Los Angeles Council,Energy and Environment Committee.“Motion.”
https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2024/24-0602_misc_5-24-24.pdf
Houghton,Sam.“Health Board Bans Artificial Playing Fields:The Ban in Oak Bluffs Stops
Short of Restricting the High School from Building a Track.”MV Times.Martha’s
Vineyard,MA.April 23,2024.
https://www.mvtimes.com/2024/04/23/health-board-bans-artificial-playing-fields/
Mertes,Chris.“Council Rejects Athletic Field Rezoning:District Urged to Refine Plan,Leave
Out Fake Turf.”Middleton-Cross Plains Times-Tribune.Wisconsin.May 16,2024.
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/2/folders/1fZo890UHGNVDHJJFyEwmD-iYK-74QqKx
Municipality of Princeton.“Princeton Environmental Commission’s Artificial Turf -Not A
Sound Financial,Environmental,or Just Investment.”December,2021.
https://www.princetonnj.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9205/Princeton-Environmental-Com
mission-Artificial-Turf-Report-Dec-2021-PDF-
Sharp,Julie.“LA Council Committee Moves Synthetic Grass Ban Proposal Forward.”CBS
News.Los Angeles,CA.June 28,2024.
https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/la-council-committee-moves-synthetic-grass-
ban-proposal-forward/
Please see the original motion as amended from the City of Los Angeles website.
Schmelzer,Elise.“Under Colorado’s New Water-Saving Law,Here’s Where Grass Will Be
Banned Starting in 2026.”The Denver Post.March 18,2024.
https://www.denverpost.com/2024/03/18/colorado-grass-turf-ban-2026-water-conservatio
n-law/.
Perkins,Tom.“Boston Bans Artificial Turf in Parks Due to Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals.’”The
Guardian.September 30,2022.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/sep/30/boston-bans-artificial-turf-toxic-f
orever-chemicals-pfas.
Town of Oak Bluffs,Massachusetts,Office of the Planning Board.“Notice of Decision May 4,
2022 RE:Special Permit Athletic Track and Synthetic Turf Field,Martha’s Vineyard
High School.”
https://mvrhs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/OB-Planning-Board-Special-Permit-Decis
ion.pdf
“List of States and Municipalities That Have Either Banned or Are Working on the Ban of
Artificial Turfs.”
https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vROI-LGEDiUZx8TW_E5VhdcQ1PTn
98arQUQCi6MCOvKxnyrh-9Hc0jhPsYsfgocPJ6UCV_pJ0CnuSgd/pub
Lawsuits
Butler,Megan.“Panel Asked to Hold Georgia’s ‘Carpet Capital’Liable for Contaminated
Drinking Water.”Courthouse News Service.September 13,2022.
https://www.courthousenews.com/panel-asked-to-hold-georgias-carpet-capital-liable-for-
contaminated-drinking-water/.
Lannaman,Mark.“City of Calhoun Sued over PFAS in Drinking Water.”Saporta Report.April
3,2024.https://saportareport.com/city-of-calhoun-sued-over-pfas-in-drinking-water.
MultiDistrict Litigation/Class Action Suit Filed Against FieldTurf USA (A Tarkett Company);
New Jersey Federal Court.Litig.,No.3:17-md-2779.October 20,2017.
https://ecf.njd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl
“Counts against the manufacturer include fraud,breach of warranty and violation of
consumer protection laws.”
Porter,Jeff.“Another PFAS Clean Water Act Citizen Suit and There May be Thousands More of
These Fish in the Barrel.”Mondaq.January 11,2024.
https://www.mondaq.com/unitedstates/water/1412400/another-pfas-clean-water-act-citize
n-suitand-there-may-be-thousands-more-of-these-fish-in-the-barrel.
Steinmetz,Jennifer and Lucy Richman.“Turf wars:The Courtroom Battle Over Artificial Turf
Safety May be Closer Than We Think.”Reuters.July 5,2023.
https://www.reuters.com/legal/legalindustry/turf-wars-courtroom-battle-over-artificial-tur
f-safety-may-be-closer-than-we-2023-07-05/
Tabuchi,Hiroko.“Lawyers to Plastics Makers:Prepare for ‘Astronomical’PFAS Lawsuits.”
New York Times.May 28,2024.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/28/climate/pfas-forever-chemicals-industry-lawsuits.h
tml
Philadelphia Inquirer’s Coverage on Injuries,Cancer,Toxicity,Artificial Turf
Dumping
Gambacorta,David and Laker,Barbara.“City Officials Believed a New South Philly Turf Field
was PFAS-Free.Not True,Experts Say.”The Philadelphia Inquirer.February 23,2024.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-pfas-artificial-turf-field-murph
y-recreation-20240223.html
Larker,Barber,and David Gambacorta.“Eight Takeaways from The Inquirer ’s Yearlong
Investigation into ‘Forever Chemicals.’”The Philadelphia Inquirer.March 12,2024.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/artificial-turf-pfas-phillies-vet-soccer-cancer
-20240312.html.
Larker,Barber,and David Gambacorta.“‘Field of Dread’:Six Former Phillies Died from the
Same Brain Cancer.We Tested the Vet’s Turf and Found Dangerous Chemicals.”The
Philadelphia Inquirer.March 7,2023.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/inq2/astroturf-vet-artificial-turf-pfas-forever-chemicals-gl
ioblastoma-cancer-phillies-1980-20230307.html.
Larker,Barber,and David Gambacorta.“‘Forever Fields’:How Pennsylvania Became a
Dumping Ground for Discarded Artificial Turf.”The Philadelphia Inquirer.December
13,2023.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/artificial-turf-pfas-rematch-pennsylvania-d
umping-ground-20231213.html.
Larker,Barber,and David Gambacorta.“‘Risky Play:A Stew of Toxic Chemicals Lurks in
Artificial Turf.Some Experts Worry They Could be Linked to Cancer in Young
Athletes.”The Philadelphia Inquirer.February 20,2024.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/artificial-turf-pfas-rematch-pennsylvania-d
umping-ground-20231213.html.
Larker,Barber,and David Gambacorta.“‘A Tangled Timeline:Artificial Turf Was Once Touted
as a ‘Magic Carpet.’But Some Scientists are Sounding the Alarm Because It Typically
Contains ‘Forever Chemicals.’”March 7,2023.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/inq2/astroturf-vet-stadium-artificial-turf-monsanto-histor
y-phillies-stadium-forever-chemicals-pfas-20230307.html.
Further Investigative Journalism
Allen,Jeffrey,and Shane Perry.“Letter:Nantucket Fire Union Decries Proposed Turf Fields over
PFAS Concerns.”Nantucket Current.February 9,2022.
https://n-magazine-archive.com/letter-nantucket-fire-union-decries-proposed-turf-fields/.
Balash,Dana.“East Liverpool’s Football Field under Water.”WFMJ.April 4,2024.
https://www.wfmj.com/story/50641939/east-liverpools-football-field-under-water.
This story reflects that although industry pitches artificial turf as a playable
surface year-round,its impermeable surface is prone to flooding.Even artificial
turf that is advertised as permeable often gets clogged with dust and becomes
impermeable over time.
“Dover High School Football Field Stormwater Calculation.”
https://assets.nationbuilder.com/ncsa/pages/544/attachments/original/1709579114/Dover_
High_School_Football_Field_Stormwater_Calculation.pdf?1709579114.
Cole,Jeff.“FDR Park’s New $250M Development Continues after Judge Dismisses Opposing
Lawsuit.”FOX 29 Philadelphia.May 2,2024.
https://www.fox29.com/news/fdr-parks-new-250m-development-continues-after-judge-di
smisses-opposing-lawsuit.
This controversial $250 million project is to build 16 plastic fields in FDR Park in
South Philadelphia,covering over 30 acres.Replacing the fields will require
millions of dollars and the disposal of upwards of a million pounds of mixed
plastics (including PFAS and other plastic petrochemicals).A city judge ruled that
she has no jurisdiction to stop this project.
Cronin,Colleen.“State Officials Warn Burrillville About Installing Turf Field Following PFAS
Contamination in North Smithfield.”EcoRI News.August 21,2024.
https://ecori.org/state-officials-warn-burrillville-about-installing-turf-field-following-pfas
-contamination-in-north-smithfield/
Fair Warning.“Fields of Waste:Artificial Turf Becomes Mounting Disposal Mess.”December
21,2019.Maryland Matters.
https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/12/21/fields-of-waste-artificial-turf-becomes-mou
nting-disposal-mess/
Freiberg,Adam.“Exploring Major USC Athletics Renovations.”Daily Trojan.April 4,2024.
https://dailytrojan.com/2024/04/04/exploring-major-usc-athletics-renovations/.
Lerner,Sharon.“How 3M Executives Convinced a Scientist the Forever Chemicals She Found in
Human Blood Were Safe.”ProPublica.May 20,2024.
https://www.propublica.org/article/3m-forever-chemicals-pfas-pfos-inside-story
Lundstrom,Marjie &Wolf,Eli.“Artificial Turf,Touted as Recycling Fix for Millions of Scrap
Tires,Becomes Mounting Disposal Mess.”Salon.December 21,2019.
https://www.salon.com/2019/12/21/artificial-turf-touted-as-recycling-fix-for-millions-of-s
crap-tires-becomes-mounting-disposal-mess_partner/
Noor,Dharna."Elite US Universities Rake in Millions from Big Oil Donations,Research Finds:
Student-Led Analyses Raise Concerns of Conflict of Interest at Six Universities,
Including Princeton,Columbia,and Cornell."The Guardian,September 19,2024.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/sep/19/oil-donations-universities.
Rodgers,Bethany.“Turf Recycler Hit with Environmental Violations as It Works to Open PA
Plant.”PhillyBurbs.March 20,2023.
https://www.phillyburbs.com/story/news/environment/2023/03/20/pa-officials-say-turf-re
cycler-is-violating-environmental-laws/69995371007/.
Sankaran,Vishwam.“Massive New Study Uncovers Over 4,000 Toxic Chemicals in Plastic.”
Independent.March 15,2024.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/plastic-toxic-chemicals-health-effects-b251
3082.html
Sankaran,Vishwam.“Drinking from Plastic Bottles Can Raise Type 2 Diabetes Risk,Study
Warns.”Independent.June 25,2024.
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/plastic-bottles-microplastics
-diabetes-risk-b2568246.html
Song,Lisa.“Selling a Mirage:The Delusion of Advanced Plastic Recycling Using Pyrolysis.”
ProPublica.June 20,2024.
https://www.propublica.org/article/delusion-advanced-chemical-plastic-recycling-pyrolys
is
Stokstad,Erik.“Common Tire Chemical Implicated in Mysterious Deaths of At-Risk Salmon.”
Science.December 3,2020.
https://www.science.org/content/article/common-tire-chemical-implicated-mysterious-de
aths-risk-salmon.
University of Birmingham.“New Study Confirms Forever Chemicals are Absorbed Through
Human Skin.”Phys.Org.June 24,2024.
https://phys.org/news/2024-06-chemicals-absorbed-human-skin.amp
Reports by Environmental Organizations
Bennett,Kyla.“Artificial Turf:A Plague on Earth.”PEER.November 13,2023.
https://peer.org/commentary-artificial-turf-a-plague-on-the-earth/.
Charles River Watershed Association.“Artificial Turf:A Threat to Our Watershed.”2024.
https://www.crwa.org/artificial-turf.
Community for Natural Play Surfaces.“Re:Choose Natural Turf for FUHSD Schools or Comply
with CEQA.”February 27,2024.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vQC57CdX3Kv5-1sUkqNx57dTjkLAfF
bzsmHoOEt-rAl-kj8N5rGnuNUlKrCF9PQBQ/pub
Conway,Diana,and Dianne Woelke.“CalRecycle Tire Crumb Market Comments.”January 25,
2024.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aF7nHR8BKNbDnOw1pNto_5el_wGQlu_7/view?usp=d
rive_link.
Conway,Diana,and Dianne Woelke.“MND Draft Review,Marina High School Multi-Use
Playing Field.”January 31,2024.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_-KLSFW35tXLGxUmpcGKZAZnfc8tjk7u/view?usp=d
rive_link.
EarthJustice and Sierra Club.“Incineration is Not a Safe Disposal Method of PFAS.”2022.
https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eoDownloadDocument?pubId=&eodoc=true&docume
ntID=251195
Edmar Chemical Company.“What You Should Know about Synthetic Turf Maintenance.”
https://www.edmarchem.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/TurfStat-Pro-FAQ.pdf.
This report from the synthetic turf company highlights the extensive maintenance
requirements associated with synthetic turfs,despite the industry’s claim to the contrary.
Environment &Human Health.“Synthetic Turf:Industry’s Claims Versus the Science.”2017.
https://www.ehhi.org/NewTurf_Final.pdf
EHHI.“Artificial Turf:Exposures to Ground-Up Rubber Tired.”2007.
https://www.ehhi.org/turf_report07.pdf.
EHHI.“Synthetic Turf:Industry’s Claim versus the Science.”2017.
https://www.ehhi.org/NewTurf_Final.pdf.
Fichtenbaum,Heidi.“The Princeton Environmental Commission’s Artificial Turf:Not a Sound
Financial,Environmental,or Just Investment.”Municipality of Princeton.December
2021.
https://www.princetonnj.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9205/Princeton-Environmental-Com
mission-Artificial-Turf-Report-Dec-2021-PDF-?bidId=.
Green,Laura C.Ph.D.,D.A.B.T.“Risks to Public Health from Chemicals Found in Brock Infill
and in Soil at Playing Field.”January 12,2021.
https://www.mvcommission.org/sites/default/files/docs/Laura%20Green%20Health%20R
isk%20Assessment_Brockfill%20and%20MV%20Soils_Jan%2012_2021.pdf
This presentation to Martha’s Vineyard Commission in MA demonstrates the presence of
PFAS in organic wood chip infills sold as BrockFill.
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.“Position Statement on the Use of Artificial Turf
Surfaces.”November 30,2023.
https://mountsinaiexposomics.org/position-statement-on-the-use-of-artificial-turf-surfaces
/
Myrick,Sonia.“Synthetic Sports Fields and the Heat Island Effect.”National Recreation and
Park Association.May 8,2019.
https://www.nrpa.org/parks-recreation-magazine/2019/may/synthetic-sports-fields-and-th
e-heat-island-effect/.
New York State Department of Health.“Information about Crumb-Rubber Infilled Synthetic
Turf Athletic Fields.”
https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/synthetic_turf/crumb-rubber_infilled/f
act_sheet.htm.
Persellin,Ketura.“New Studies Show PFAS in Artificial Grass Blades and Backing.”
Environmental Working Group.October 29,2019.
https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/new-studies-show-pfas-artificial-grass-blades-a
nd-backing.
Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER).“EPA Fumbles Artificial Turf
Science.”August 6,2019.https://peer.org/epa-fumbles-artificial-turf-science/
The Federal Research Action Plan (FRAP)on Recycled Tire Crumb Used on Playing
Fields and Playgrounds (FRAP 1),conducted by the US EPA,found 355 chemicals,but
has been condemned for not meeting its own research standards in its conclusions.Their
final report had 25 study participants (mostly 30 year old males),three synthetic turf
fields,looked at only six chemicals and did not include a risk assessment.
Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER).“Artificial Turf Fact Sheet.”2022.
https://peer.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Screen-Shot-2022-10-05-at-10.55.03-AM.pn
g.
Sierra Club Maryland Chapter.“Synthetic Turf Resources.”2022.
https://www.sierraclub.org/maryland/synthetic-turf-resources.
Sierra Club Maryland Chapter.“Say NO to Plastic Fields and Rubber Playgrounds.”2021.
https://www.sierraclub.org/maryland/synthetic-turf.
Shalat,Stuart.“Why Artificial Turf May Truly Be Bad for Kids.”The Conversation.March 5,
2017.https://theconversation.com/why-artificial-turf-may-truly-be-bad-for-kids-72044/.
Woelke,Dianne.“Greenwashing:Mineral and Plant Based Infills for Synthetic Turf Systems.”
April 28,2000.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H6I28zSIjN080vXjwTHH5CHlFj1kIfFC/edit?usp
=sharing&ouid=106106732686023309618&rtpof=true&sd=true
Dianne Woelke,a founding board member of Safe and Healthy Playing Fields,discusses
problems with mineral,organic and plant-based infills such as cork.See independently
tested cork and walnut infills resulting positive for PFAS here,here,and here.This report
by an award-winning Australian citizen journalist John Englart in 2021 also mentions
70%additional off-gassing with plant-based infills.Also see this 2023 study.Even a
presentation by the industry to the Martha’s Vineyard Comission supports the presence of
PFAS in plant-based infills.
Woelke,Dianne,Diana Carpinone,Suzanne Hume,Ronald Askeland,and Nancy Okada.(Safe
Healthy Playing Fields).“University of California Santa Barbara Notice of Impending
Development No.UCS-NOID-0002-23 (Baseball Stadium Turf).”September 8,2023.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mavB4-DNVOEgYE-XaCthWJ8wT9oyb3Um/view.
Woelke,Dianne.(Safe Healthy Playing Fields).“FUHSD Bibliography.”February 27,2024.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X0Yc43_9KRwLhcoGO9PmMU1Wol6lMxDq/view?usp
=drive_link.
The FUHSD Bibliography has been integrated towards the end of this compilation.
Zero Waste Ithaca.“List of National Organizations Opposed to Synthetic Turf.”June 29,2024.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10tSDiWbySWogzvZ_szllA9cMnnOyR9qlRKcqI
AnyX8Q/edit?usp=sharing
Injuries and Health Threats for Athletes
Bumbaca,Chris.“‘It’s Not Rocket Science’:NFL Turf Debate Rages On Although 92%of
Players Prefer Grass.”USA Today.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/super-bowl/2024/02/07/grass-or-turf-nfl-playe
rs-overwhelmingly-pick-one-over-the-other/72515239007/.
Chappell,Bill.“Soccer Players End Lawsuit over Artificial Turf at Women’s World Cup.”
January 21,2015.
https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/01/21/378896641/soccer-players-end-law
suit-over-artificial-turf-at-women-s-world-cup.
Gever,John.“Turf War:Study Backs Natural Grass as Less Injurious than Artificial Surface.”
MedPage Today.February 13,2024.
https://www.medpagetoday.com/meetingcoverage/aaos/108707.
Golijanin,Petar,Ryan James Whalen,Mark Cote,Tyler Joseph Zajac,and Matthew T.
Provencher.“The Comparison of Injuries in National Football League Players
(2016–2021)Based on the Playing Surface:Natural Grass versus Artificial Turf.”
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.2024.
https://aaos.scientificposters.com/epsAbstractAAOS.cfm?id=1
Gould HP,Lostetter SJ,Samuelson ER,Guyton GP.“Lower Extremity Injury Rates on Artificial
Turf Versus Natural Grass Playing Surfaces:A Systematic Review.”The American
Journal of Sports Medicine.May 20,2022.https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465211069562
Johnson,Carla K.“What Does the Science Say about the Grass vs.Turf Debate in Sports?”
Associated Press.October 9,2023.
https://apnews.com/article/nfl-aaron-rodgers-achilles-grass-artificial-turf-79212f5443cd2
a0d30fe8c9d981b13c0.
PEER.“Test Results for Preliminary Study:PFOS on Hands of Soccer Players and Coaches on
Artificial Turf vs.Grass.”March 6,2024.
https://peer.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/3_6_2024-Dermal-absorption-PFAS-AT.pdf.
Perkins,Tom.“Artificial Turf Potentially Linked to Cancer Deaths of Six Phillies Ball Players.”
The Guardian.March 10,2023.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/mar/10/phillies-ball-players-cancer-artifical-t
urf?CMP=share.
Perkins,Tom.“Athletes Likely to Have Higher Levels of PFAS after Play on Artificial Turf –
Study.”The Guardian.March 15,2024.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/15/athletes-higher-pfas-levels-artifi
cial-turf.
Proctor,Stephen.“New Study Finds Concerning Link between Artificial Turf and Potential
Health Threats to Athletes:'It Just Boggles My Mind.'”Yahoo!News.March 29,2024.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/study-finds-concerning-between-artificial-033000063.html
Silverman,Alex.“FIFA Requires Stadiums to Play the Field,Install Natural Grass for Games.”
November 6,2023.Sports Business Journal.
https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2023/11/06/america-stadiums-side.
Rodrigue,Jourdan,and Daniel Popper.“Field of Nightmares:Inside the NFL,Player Divide over
Playing Surfaces.”The Athletic.January 11,2023.
https://theathletic.com/4074335/2023/01/11/nfl-turf-fields-injuries/.
Siegel,Kyle R.,Brooklynn R.Murray,Jeff Gearhart,and Christopher D.Kassotis."In Vitro
Endocrine and Cardiometabolic Toxicity Associated with Artificial Turf Materials."
Department of Pharmacology and Institute of Environmental Health Sciences,Wayne
State University,Ecology Center.September 6,2024.
This study examines the potential health risks of artificial turf materials,analyzing both
new and weathered samples.The findings indicate that weathered turf samples had
stronger effects on various hormone receptors,including androgen,estrogen,and thyroid
receptors.Additionally,all turf extracts activated a receptor linked to toxin processing
(AhR),with some causing heart cell toxicity in rats.These results raise concerns about
the endocrine and cardiometabolic effects of artificial turf materials,warranting further
investigation into their impact on human health.
Tretter,JC.“Only Natural Grass Can Level the NFL’s Playing Field.”NFL Players Association.
2020.https://nflpa.com/posts/only-natural-grass-can-level-the-nfls-playing-field.
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA)has taken a strong public stance against turf
fields.In this article,NFLPA President JC Tretter advocates that "NFL clubs should
proactively change all field surfaces to natural grass."
Tretter,JC.“Why the NFL’s Approach to Field Surfaces is Uneven.”NFL Players Association,
April 2023.https://nflpa.com/posts/nfl-approach-field-surface-uneven
In this April 2023 statement,the NFLPA accused the NFL of twisting historical injury
data to support the NFL's contention that turf fields are safe.
Wertheim,Jon.“With Hotter Temperatures Come More Football Deaths:And Black High School
Players are Disproportionately Affected.”Sports Illustrated.October 7,2022.
https://www.si.com/high-school/2022/10/07/football-climate-change-daily-cover
Woelke,Dianne.“Synthetic Turf Injuries.”March,2021.
https://www.mvcommission.org/sites/default/files/docs/Dianne%20Woelke%20letter%20
3-18-21.pdf.
This is a compilation of articles related to injuries on artificial turfs submitted to
Martha’s Vineyard Commission by Dianne Woelke,a founding board member of Safe
Healthy Playing Fields.
Webinars,Documentary and Other Films
Beyond Plastics.“Plastics’Impact on Human Health.”YouTube video.January 13,2023.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utUFl4gqiYc&ab_channel=BeyondPlastics.
Beyond Plastics.“Protect Burrillville:What You Should Know about Synthetic Turf.”YouTube
video.September 17,2024.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GEIVjlEUE0
Collaborative for Health &Environment.“Environmental Health Impacts of Synthetic Turf and
Safer Alternatives.”YouTube Video.January 28,2022.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mel-tIUQImY&ab_channel=CollaborativeforHealth
%26Environment.
Collaborative for Health &Environment.“Artificial Turf:Research on Plastic Pollution,PFAS,
and Health Concerns.”YouTube Video.September 18,2024.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w3dxqXlA0g&t=3203s
Government of the District of Columbia ANC (Advisory Neighborhood Commission)3/4G
Single Member District 02.“Cultivating Natural Grass Playing Fields:Listening to the
Experts Panelist Presentations and Community Discussion.”YouTube Video.May 30,
2024.https://youtu.be/E3FEO7vmuCE?si=HTBUpNDSZSrne4IX
The third Zoom meeting in the series by ANC 3/4G looking at artificial turf and natural
grass playing fields conveys beyond any reasonable doubt the viability,sustainability,
and affordability of natural grass playing fields,including the use of environmentally
sound and safe organic practices.
See also the first and the second meetings in the series by ANC 3/4G:
"Is Artificial Turf Safe for Our Kids and Our Environment?,"March 26,2024.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8xlCA9M8hI
“Artificial Turf vs Natural Grass Fields:A Comparative Look at Design,Construction,
Maintenance,Playability,and Cost.”April 9,2024.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPn7E_Ag7LQ
Sustainable Silicon Valley.“Exergy TV 3.1.24:The High Costs of Fake Plastic Fields.”YouTube
Video.March 4,2024.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk2YQXKqbR0&ab_channel=SustainableSiliconVal
ley.
Town of Windsor (Calif.).“Nix Artificial Turf for Native Plants and Get a Rebate!”YouTube
video.December 6,2022.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Dov_vwTIYI&ab_channel=TownofWindsor%28Ca
lif.%29.
Truth About Plastic.“Biodiversity and Plastic Grass:Sleazigrass Customer Testimonial.”[Satire]
YouTube video.August 30,2022.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdVT06g375k&ab_channel=TruthAboutPlastic.
Truth About Plastic.“Dave and Trev,Sleazigrass Fitters:Epiphany #1.”[Satire]YouTube video.
December 8,2022.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZV-9WUk7g0A&ab_channel=TruthAboutPlastic.
Truth About Plastic.“Toxic Turf.”[Satire]YouTube video.July 17,2022.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBpjcHI4Mjw&ab_channel=TruthAboutPlastic.
UMassLowellTURI.“Natural Grass Organic Athletic Fields in Springfield,Mass.”YouTube
video.November 30,2016.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nws-ZpeaQJc&ab_channel=UMassLowellTURI.
UMassLowellTURI.“Organic Management of Natural Grass.”YouTube video.January 27,
2019.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkucQ7NDadQ&ab_channel=UMassLowellTURI.
UMassLowellTURI.“Three Massachusetts Communities Maintain Athletic Fields Organically.”
YouTube video.April 30,
2021.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cmjv1qteLho&ab_channel=UMassLowellTUR
I.
Women for a Health Environment.“Dr.Landrigan Discusses Artificial Turf on School Grounds”
YouTube video.January 11,2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rT4jKG_88pI&ab_channel=WomenforaHealthyEnvir
onment.
Zembra.“What Happens to Plastic and Polluting Artificial Turf?”YouTube video.September 13,
2018.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5o3J7uy4Tk
This Dutch documentary investigates the trail of a number of transports,and finds itself
in a world of dealers,defrauding artificial turf processors,absent supervisors,and a
growing artificial turf pile in the Netherlands,a country with more artificial turf per
capita than any other country in the world.An artificial turf recycling company
Re-Match is mentioned,a company which has failed in operation in the US and
contributed to the Pennsylvania's dumping ground of artificial turfs reported in the
Philadelphia Inquirer.
Zero Waste Ithaca.“The True Costs of Artificial Turf:Experts Discuss Cornell University’s
New “PFAS-Free”Project”Webinar held on April 30,2024.
https://youtu.be/iqk8Ss-8Bjk?si=fm4uSfUqo1L4V56G
A panel of six experts—including scientists,environmentalists,and a former university
soccer coach—testify and analyze the life cycle,environmental justice,and public health
impacts of artificial turf and suggest the alternative of organic natural grass management.
This webinar helped defeat a plan for an artificial turf field in a school district in
Middleton,WI.
Natural Grass vs.Artificial Turf
Barton,J,Rogerson,M.“The Importance of Greenspace for Mental Health.”BJPsych
International.November 1,2017.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5663018/
Beyond Pesticides.“Cost Comparison:Organic vs.Chemical Land Management.”Winter
2019–2020.
https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/documents/Cost%20Comparis
on.pdf.
Beyond Pesticides.“Synthetic Turf Fields,Forever Chemicals and the Safer Alternative:Organic
Grass.”March 27,2024.
https://beyondpesticides.org/dailynewsblog/2024/03/synthetic-turf-fields-forever-chemica
ls-and-the-safer-alternative-organic-grass/.
City of Watertown,MA -Government.“Victory Field Turf is Closed Due to Excessive Heat.”
June 20,2024.
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=812146911015602&set=a.198027349094231
Watertown,MA happens to be the base town of Mr.Trey Sasser,a Cornell representative
from Sasaki architectural firm who spoke to justify artificial turf.So much for an all-year
play claimed by the industry.The Victory field also had to close down for the whole
summer in 2023 for artificial turf replacement.See:Beitrose,Charlie.“Victory Field
Closing for Most of Summer to Replace Artificial Turf.”Watertown News.June 9,2023.
https://www.watertownmanews.com/2023/06/09/victory-field-closing-for-most-of-summ
er-to-replace-artificial-turf/
Cornell University Sports Field Management.“Synthetic Turf:Is Adding A Synthetic Field the
Answer?”https://safesportsfields.cals.cornell.edu/synthetic-turf/
Cornell University's own cost analysis,available on their website,illustrates that
artificial turf is significantly more expensive to maintain compared to natural grass.
Government of the District of Columbia ANC (Advisory Neighborhood Commission)3/4G
Single Member District 02.“Cultivating Natural Grass Playing Fields:Listening to the
Experts Panelist Presentations and Community Discussion.”YouTube Video.May 30,
2024.https://youtu.be/E3FEO7vmuCE?si=HTBUpNDSZSrne4IX
The third Zoom meeting in the series by ANC 3/4G looking at artificial turf and natural
grass playing fields conveyed beyond any reasonable doubt the viability,sustainability,
and affordability of natural grass playing fields,including the use of environmentally
sound and safe organic practices.
Henry,Kaleb.“Nebraska Football to Replace FieldTurf with Natural Grass Inside Memorial
Stadium.”Sports Illustrated.July 13,2024.
https://www.si.com/college/nebraska/recruiting/nebraska-football-recruiting-4-star-cb-pic
ks-huskers-over-utah-tcu-matt-rhule-big-ten
The Lawn Institute.“Carbon Sequestration.”
https://www.thelawninstitute.org/environmental-benefits/carbon-sequestration/
Leslie,Madeline.“The Potential of Turfgrass to Sequester Carbon and Offset Greenhouse Gas
Emissions.”University of Minnesota.
https://turf.umn.edu/news/potential-turfgrass-sequester-carbon-and-offset-greenhouse-gas
-emissions.
Lindblom,Jeffrey.“Portland Turf Fields Closed Due to Danger from Heat Wave.”Fox 12,
Oregon.July 10,2024.
https://www.kptv.com/2024/07/10/portland-turf-fields-closed-due-danger-heat-wave/
Osborne,Charles,Doug Wood.“A Cost Comparison of Conventional (Chemical)Turf
Management and Natural (Organic)Turf Management for School Athletic Fields:A
Report Presented by Grassroots Environmental Education,a Non-Profit Organization.”
March,2010.
https://www.nontoxiccommunities.com/uploads/7/0/8/2/7082006/turfcomparisonreport.p
df
Safe Healthy Playing Fields Inc.“Costs:Grass vs.Synthetic Turf.”
https://www.safehealthyplayingfields.org/cost-grass-vs-synthetic-turf.
Natural Grass Management
Arellano,Gustavo.“Column:Has a UC Riverside Researcher Created the Holy Grail of
Drought-Tolerant Lawns?”Los Angeles Times.September 9,2022.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-09-09/uc-riverside-turfgrass-research-jim-
baird
Beyond Pesticides.“Healthy Turf and Landscape Policy.”November 12,2008.
https://www.beyondpesticide.org/assets/media/documents/lawn/activist/NewPaltzNYfinal
policy.pdf.
City of Irvine.“Organic Pesticides Program.”
https://www.cityofirvine.org/news-media/news-article/organic-pesticides-program.
Midwest Grows Green:Lawn +Land Forum.“Root Density.”
https://lawnandland.org/sports-and-recreational-fields/4b-root-density
Non Toxic Communities.“Organic Athletic Fields.”
https://www.nontoxiccommunities.com/organic-athletic-fields.html.
SportsField Management.“Maryland SoccerPlex Completes Natural Grass Upgrades.”April 16.
2024.
https://sportsfieldmanagementonline.com/2024/04/16/maryland-soccerplex-completes-na
tural-grass-upgrades/16614/.
This article emphasizes the advancements in drainage systems,which have significantly
reduced the problem of spring mud on natural grass sports fields.
Toxic Use Reduction Institute.“Natural Grass Playing Field Case Study:Marblehead,MA:
20 Acres of Organically Managed Playing Fields.”July 2019,revised November 2020.
https://www.turi.org/content/download/12705/198916/file/Natural%20Grass%20Playing
%20Field%20Case%20Study%20Marblehead%20MA%20revised.Nov2020.pdf.
Toxic Use Reduction Institute.“Natural Grass Playing Field Case Study:Martha's Vineyard,MA
Improving the Quality of Grass Playing Fields with Data Collection and Organic
Management.”December 2020.
https://www.turi.org/content/download/13432/205432/file/Natural%20Grass%20Playing
%20Field%20Case%20Study%20MV%20MA.Dec2020.pdf.
Toxic Use Reduction Institute.“Natural Grass Playing Field Case Study:Springfield,MA:
Organic Grass Fields Meet Athletes’Needs and Protect Connecticut River Watershed.”
June 2019.
https://www.turi.org/content/download/12156/190509/file/Natural+Grass+Playing+Field
+Case+Study+Springfield+MA.+June+2019.pdf.
Toxic Use Reduction Institute.“Natural Grass Playing Fields:Denison University,Granville,
OH.”December 2021.
https://www.turi.org/content/download/13803/218956/file/Denison%20University%20cas
e%20study.pdf.
Toxic Use Reduction Institute.“Natural Grass Playing Fields:Selected Case Studies from
Southwest Pennsylvania.”April 2021.
https://www.turi.org/content/download/13555/206776/file/Casestudy.OrganicGrassSWPe
nn.April2021.pdf.
UMassLowellTURI.“Natural Grass Organic Athletic Fields in Springfield,Mass.”YouTube
video.November 30,2016.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nws-ZpeaQJc&ab_channel=UMassLowellTURI.
UMassLowellTURI.“Organic Management of Natural Grass.”YouTube video.January 27,
2019.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkucQ7NDadQ&ab_channel=UMassLowellTURI.
UMassLowellTURI.“Three Massachusetts Communities Maintain Athletic Fields Organically.”
YouTube video.April 30,
2021.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cmjv1qteLho&ab_channel=UMassLowellTUR
I.
Cost Comparisons
Moore,Terence.“For $11.9 Million,NFL Could Save Maybe $1 Billion With Grass Fields
Instead Of Artificial Ones.”Forbes.December 23,2022.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/terencemoore/2022/12/23/for-119-million-nfl-could-save-m
aybe-1-billion-with-grass-fields-instead-of-artificial-ones/?sh=48a757edb48e
Osborne,C,Wood,D (2010).A Cost Comparison of Conventional (Chemical)Turf Management
and Natural (Organic)Turf Management for School Athletic Fields.Grassroots
Environmental Education.
https://www.nontoxiccommunities.com/uploads/7/0/8/2/7082006/turfcomparisonreport.p
df.
Safe Healthy Playing Fields Inc.“Costs:Grass vs.Synthetic Turf.”
https://www.safehealthyplayingfields.org/cost-grass-vs-synthetic-turf.
Sustainable Silicon Valley.“Exergy TV 3.1.24:The High Costs of Fake Plastic Fields.”YouTube
Video.March 4,2024.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk2YQXKqbR0&ab_channel=SustainableSiliconVal
ley.
Wolff,Megan J.,Ph.D.MPH.et al.“Subject:Exclusion of Synthetic Turf Fields from Central
School District Capital Improvement Plan.”December 14,2023.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18hwzkScZ5zmmDmVQmnvJFgjs6Nx-cV4p/view?usp=s
haring
This letter was addressed to the New Paltz Central School District Board of Education in
New York,expressing opposition to the district's proposal to incorporate artificial turf
into new athletic facilities.Notably,it highlights Cornell University's own cost analysis,
available on their website,illustrating that artificial turf is significantly more expensive
to maintain compared to natural grass.
Miscellaneous
New York Department of State.“New York State Environmental Quality Review Act
(SEQRA).”
https://video.dos.ny.gov/lg/onlinetraining/environmental-quality-review-act/presentation_
html5.html.
Sports Venue Calculator.“Grants for Artificial Turf Field Installation and Resurfacing for
Schools and Communities.”
https://sportsvenuecalculator.com/knowledge/artificial-turf-field/grants-for-artificial-turf-
field-installation-and-resurfacing-for-schools-and-communities/.
This page from Sports Venue Calculator demonstrates how the industry gives
grant money to encourage artificial turf installation.
FUHSD (Fremont Union High School District,CA)Report
Citations from:Community for Natural Play Surfaces.“Re:Choose Natural
Turf for FUHSD Schools or Comply with CEQA.”February 27,2024.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vQC57CdX3Kv5-1sUkqNx57d
TjkLAfFbzsmHoOEt-rAl-kj8N5rGnuNUlKrCF9PQBQ/pub
FUHSD staff,Fremont Union High School District Board of Trustees Study Session -Synthetic
Turf vs.Natural Grass (Sep.19,2023),available at
https://fremontunionhighschoolca.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=1&ID=1319
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Triclocarban.”Environmental Health Perspectives 125,no.6 (2017):064501.
https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/full/10.1289/EHP1788.
Zhang,Luqing,and Wen-Xiong Wang.“Silver Nanoparticle Toxicity to the Larvae of Oyster
Crassostrea Angulata:Contribution of In Vivo Dissolution.”Science of The Total
Environment 858 (2023):159965.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159965.
Verdú,Irene,Miguel González-Pleiter,Francisco Leganés,Roberto Rosal,and Francisca
Fernández-Piñas.“Microplastics Can Act as Vector of the Biocide Triclosan Exerting
Damage to Freshwater Microalgae.”Chemosphere 266 (2021):129193.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129193.
Flame Retardants:
CBS News Sacramento.“Artificial Turf Fire Sending Off Dark Smoke Near Highway 99.”
YouTube video.June 6,2018.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK_BDvmQ1WU&ab_channel=CBSNewsSacrame
nto.
Effinger,Anthony.“Owner of Combustible Tire Pile on the Willamette Logs Another Blaze at
Shredding Plant in North Portland.”Willamette Week.August 7,2023.
https://www.wweek.com/news/2023/08/07/owner-of-combustible-tire-pile-on-the-willam
ette-logs-another-blaze-at-shredding-plant-in-north-portland/.
Heavy Metals:
Negev,Maya,Zohar Barnett-Itzhaki,Tamar Berman,Shay Reicher,Naor Cohen,Ruti Ardi,
Yaniv Shammai,Tamar Zohar,and Miriam L.Diamond.“Hazardous Chemicals in
Outdoor and Indoor Surfaces:Artificial Turf and Laminate Flooring.”Journal of
Exposure Science &Environmental Epidemiology 32,no.3 (2022):392–399.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41370-021-00396-4.
Halsband,Claudia,Lisbet Sørensen,Andy M.Booth,and Dorte Herzke.“Car Tire Crumb
Rubber:Does Leaching Produce a Toxic Chemical Cocktail in Coastal Marine Systems?”
Frontiers in Environmental Science 8 (2020):557495.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2020.00125.
PFAS:
Department of Toxic Substances Control.“Effective April 1,2022:Treatments Containing
Perfluoroalkyl or Polyfluoroalkyl Substances for Use on Converted Textiles of
Leather.”https://dtsc.ca.gov/scp/treatments-with-pfass/.
Rickard,Brittany P.,Imran Rizvi,and Suzanne E.Fenton."Per-and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances
(PFAS)and Female Reproductive Outcomes:PFAS Elimination,Endocrine-Mediated
Effects,and Disease.”Toxicology 465 (2022):153031.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tox.2021.153031.
Mount Sinai.“Exposure to Chemicals Found in Everyday Products Is Linked to Significantly
Reduced Fertility.”March 17,2023.
https://www.mountsinai.org/about/newsroom/2023/exposure-to-chemicals-found-in-ever
yday-products-is-linked-to-significantly-reduced-fertility.
Levine,Hagai,Niels Jørgensen,Anderson Martino-Andrade,Jaime Mendiola,Dan
Weksler-Derri,Maya Jolles,Rachel Pinotti,and Shanna H.Swan.“Temporal Trends in
Sperm Count:A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis of Samples Collected
Globally in the 20th and 21st Centuries."Human Reproduction Update 29,no.2 (2023):
157–76.https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmac035.
Xu,Y.,Y.Li,K.Scott,C.Lindh,K.Jakobsson,T.Fletcher,B.Ohlsson,and E.Andersson.
“Ulcerative Colitis,Crohn’s Disease and Other Inflammatory Bowel Disease in a
Population with High Exposure to Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances through Drinking
Water.”Environmental Epidemiology 3 (2019):449.
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.EE9.0000611064.79086.2f.
Breast Cancer Prevention Partners.“PFAS Forever Chemicals (Also PFOA,PFOS).”
https://www.bcpp.org/resource/pfas-forever-chemicals-pfoa-pfos/.
Steenland,Kyle,and Andrea Winquist.“PFAS and Cancer,a Scoping Review of the
Epidemiologic Evidence.”Environmental Research 194 (2021):110690.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2020.110690.
Messmer,Mindi F.,Jeffrey Salloway,Nawar Shara,Ben Locwin,Megan W.Harvey,and Nora
Traviss.“Risk of Cancer in a Community Exposed to Per-and Poly-Fluoroalkyl
Substances.”Environmental Health Insights 16 (2022):11786302221076707.
https://doi.org/10.1177/11786302221076707.
Oh,Jiwon,Deborah H.Bennett,Antonia M.Calafat,Daniel Tancredi,Dorcas L.Roa,Rebecca J.
Schmidt,Irva Hertz-Picciotto,and Hyeong-Moo Shin.“Prenatal Exposure to Per-and
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Association with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the
MARBLES Study.”Environment International 147 (2021):106328.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.106328.
Thomas,Liji.“ADHD Symptoms Linked to Early Childhood Exposure to Polyfluoroalkyl
Substances.”News Medical Life Sciences.March 28,2023.
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230328/ADHD-symptoms-linked-to-early-childho
od-exposure-to-polyfluoroalkyl-substances.aspx.
Brown-Leung,Josephine M.,and Jason R.Cannon.“Neurotransmission Targets of Per-and
Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Neurotoxicity:Mechanisms and Potential Implications for
Adverse Neurological Outcomes.”Chemical Research in Toxicology 35,no.8 (2022):
1312–33.https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrestox.2c00072.
Collaborative for Health &Environment.“Adverse Effects of PFAS on Immune System Health:
Complicating Recovery during the COVID-19 Pandemic.”December 2,2020.
https://www.healthandenvironment.org/che-webinars/96552.
Li,Ying,Lars Barregard,Yiyi Xu,Kristin Scott,Daniela Pineda,Christian H.Lindh,Kristina
Jakobsson,and Tony Fletcher.“Associations between Perfluoroalkyl Substances and
Serum Lipids in a Swedish Adult Population with Contaminated Drinking Water.”
Environmental Health 19 (2020):1–11.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12940-020-00588-9.
Gao,Yu,Jiajun Luo,Yan Zhang,Chengyu Pan,Yunjie Ren,Jun Zhang,Ying Tian,and Shanghai
Birth Cohort.“Prenatal Exposure to Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Child
Growth Trajectories in the First Two Years.”Environmental Health Perspectives 130,no.
3 (2022):037006.https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP9875.
Goodrich,Jesse A.,Douglas I.Walker,Jingxuan He,Xiangping Lin,Brittney O.Baumert,Xin
Hu,Tanya L.Alderete et al.“Metabolic Signatures of Youth Exposure to Mixtures of Per-
and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances:A Multi-Cohort Study.”Environmental Health
Perspectives 131,no.2 (2023):027005.https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11372.
Coperchini,Francesca,Laura Croce,Gianluca Ricci,Flavia Magri,Mario Rotondi,Marcello
Imbriani,and Luca Chiovato.“Thyroid Disrupting Effects of Old and New Generation
PFAS.”Frontiers in Endocrinology 11 (2021):612320.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2020.612320.
Messmer,Mindi F.,Jeffrey Salloway,Nawar Shara,Ben Locwin,Megan W.Harvey,and Nora
Traviss.“Risk of Cancer in a Community Exposed to Per-and Poly-Fluoroalkyl
Substances.”Environmental Health Insights 16 (2022):11786302221076707.
https://doi.org/10.1177/11786302221076707.
DeWitt,Jamie.“SOT TV Interview with Jamie DeWitt,PhD,on Understanding Developmental
Immunotoxicology and the Effects of PFAS.”Interview by Society of Toxicology.
Vimeo.2021.https://vimeo.com/563823549.
Blake,Bevin E.,and Suzanne E.Fenton.“Early Life Exposure to Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl
Substances (PFAS)and Latent Health Outcomes:A Review Including the Placenta as a
Target Tissue and Possible Driver of Peri-and Postnatal Effects.”Toxicology 443 (2020):
152565.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tox.2020.152565.
Bălan,Simona Andreea,Vivek Chander Mathrani,Dennis Fengmao Guo,and André Maurice
Algazi.“Regulating PFAS as a Chemical Class under the California Safer Consumer
Products Program.”Environmental Health Perspectives 129,no.2 (2021):025001.
https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7431.
NEWMOA.“PFAS in Consumer Products,Part 2.”YouTube video.April 24,2022.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoipI2Yj1DA&ab_channel=NEWMOA.
Miles,Irene.“Study Finds PFAS in All Tested Lake Michigan Sportfish and their Prey.”Sea
Grant.July 5,2023.
https://iiseagrant.org/study-finds-pfas-in-all-tested-lake-michigan-sportfish-and-their-pre
y/.
Lewis,Asa J.,Xiaoyan Yun,Max G.Lewis,Erica R.McKenzie,Daniel E.Spooner,Marie J.
Kurz,Rominder Suri,and Christopher M.Sales.“Impacts of Divalent Cations (Mg2+
and Ca2+)on PFAS Bioaccumulation in Freshwater Macroinvertebrates Representing
Different Foraging Modes.”Environmental Pollution 331 (2023):121938.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121938.
Hayman,Nicholas T.,Gunther Rosen,Marienne A.Colvin,Jason Conder,and Jennifer A.
Arblaster.“Aquatic Toxicity Evaluations of PFOS and PFOA for Five Standard Marine
Endpoints.”Chemosphere 273 (2021):129699.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129699.
Phthalates:
Engel,Stephanie M.,Heather B.Patisaul,Charlotte Brody,Russ Hauser,Ami R.Zota,Deborah
H.Bennet,Maureen Swanson,and Robin M.Whyatt.“Neurotoxicity of
Ortho-Phthalates:Recommendations for Critical Policy Reforms to Protect Brain
Development in Children.”American Journal of Public Health 111,no.4 (2021):
687–95.https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2020.306014.
Negev,Maya,Zohar Barnett-Itzhaki,Tamar Berman,Shay Reicher,Naor Cohen,Ruti Ardi,
Yaniv Shammai,Tamar Zohar,and Miriam L.Diamond.“Hazardous Chemicals in
Outdoor and Indoor Surfaces:Artificial Turf and Laminate Flooring.”Journal of
Exposure Science &Environmental Epidemiology 32,no.3 (2022):392–99.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41370-021-00396-4.
Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs):
Mohammed,Atef MF,Inas A.Saleh,and Nasser M.Abdel-Latif.“Hazard Assessment Study on
Organic Compounds and Heavy Metals from Using Artificial Turf.”Heliyon 9,no.4
(2023).https://www.cell.com/heliyon/pdf/S2405-8440(23)02135-7.pdf.
Fořt,Jan,Klára Kobetičová,Martin Böhm,Jan Podlesný,Veronika Jelínková,Martina
Vachtlová,Filip Bureš,and Robert Černý.“Environmental Consequences of Rubber
Crumb Application:Soil and Water Pollution.”Polymers 14,no.7 (2022):1416.
https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14071416.
Donald,Carey E.,Richard P.Scott,Glenn Wilson,Peter D.Hoffman,and Kim A.Anderson.
“Artificial Turf:Chemical Flux and Development of Silicone Wristband Partitioning
Coefficients.”Air Quality,Atmosphere &Health 12 (2019):597–611.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11869-019-00680-1.
Skoczyńska,Ewa Małgorzata.“Development and Application of Comprehensive Chemical
Analytical Methods for the Analysis of Polyaromatic Compounds.”PhD dissertation.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam,2021.
https://research.vu.nl/en/publications/development-and-application-of-comprehensive-ch
emical-analytical-.
BNNVARA.“New Carcinogens Discovered in Rubber Granulates.”January 21,2021.
https://www.bnnvara.nl/zembla/artikelen/new-carcinogens-discovered-in-rubber-granulat
es.
6PPD and 6PPD Quinone:
Tian,Zhenyu,Haoqi Zhao,Katherine Peter,Melissa Gonzalez,Ximin Hu,and Ed Kolodziej.
“Organic Contaminants in Tire and Crumb Rubber:6PPD-Quinone and Beyond.”Center
for Urban Waters.
https://www.healthandenvironment.org/assets/images/webinarimages/Tian%20Slides.pdf.
SFEI Aquatic Science Center.“Toxic Tire Contaminant Found in Bay Area Stormwater.”
December 4,2020.
https://www.sfei.org/news/toxic-tire-contaminant-found-bay-area-stormwater#sthash.4O2
0srtK.g1qvTU9N.dpbs.
Tian,Zhenyu,Haoqi Zhao,Katherine T.Peter,Melissa Gonzalez,Jill Wetzel,Christopher Wu,
Ximin Hu et al.“A Ubiquitous Tire Rubber–Derived Chemical Induces Acute Mortality
in Coho Salmon.”Science 371,no.6525 (2021):185–9.
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abd6951.
Einhorn,Catrin.“California Salmon Stocks Are Crashing.A Fishing Ban Looks Certain.”New
York Times.April 3,2023.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/03/climate/salmon-fishery-closed-california.html?smi
d=tw-share.
Fishing the North Coast.“It’s Official:CA’s 2023 Ocean Salmon Season Shut Down.”April 12,
2023.
https://fishingthenorthcoast.com/2023/04/12/its-official-cas-2023-ocean-salmon-season-s
hut-down.
Lead:
Gomes,Filipa O.,M.Rosário Rocha,Arminda Alves,and Nuno Ratola.“A Review of
Potentially Harmful Chemicals in Crumb Rubber Used in Synthetic Football Pitches.”
Journal of Hazardous Materials 409 (2021):124998.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124998.
Lee,Ju-Wook,Hoon Choi,Un-Ki Hwang,Ju-Chan Kang,Yue Jai Kang,Kwang Il Kim,and
Jun-Hwan Kim.“Toxic Effects of Lead Exposure on Bioaccumulation,Oxidative Stress,
Neurotoxicity,and Immune Responses in Fish:A Review.”Environmental Toxicology
and Pharmacology 68 (2019):101–8.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.etap.2019.03.010.
CDC.“Lead in Soil.”https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/sources/soil.htm.
VOCs:
Ginsberg,Gary,Brian Toal,and Tara Kurland.“Benzothiazole Toxicity Assessment in Support
of Synthetic Turf Field Human Health Risk Assessment.”Journal of Toxicology and
Environmental Health,Part A 74,no.17 (2011):1175–83.
https://doi.org/10.1080/15287394.2011.586943.
Zinc:
Monsé,Christian,Monika Raulf,Birger Jettkant,Vera van Kampen,Benjamin Kendzia,Leonie
Schürmeyer,Christoph Edzard Seifert et al.“Health Effects after Inhalation of Micro-
and Nano-Sized Zinc Oxide Particles in Human Volunteers.”Archives of Toxicology 95
(2021):53-65.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00204-020-02923-y.
Synthetic Turf Does Not Save Water:
Kanaan,Ahmed,Elena Sevostianova,Bernd Leinauer,and Igor Sevostianov.“Water
Requirements for Cooling Artificial Turf.”Journal of Irrigation and Drainage
Engineering 146,no.10 (2020):05020004.
https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)IR.1943-4774.0001506.
Gaddo,Randy.“Part 2:Watering Synthetic Turf.”PRB.
https://www.parksandrecbusiness.com/articles/2016/10/part-2-watering-synthetic-turf.
Off Gassing of GHGs /Heat Island Effect:
The Climate Reality Project.“Repower America.”August 3,2020.
https://www.climaterealityproject.org/blog/methane-stinks-why-natural-gas-bad-news-pla
net.
Magnusson,Simon,and Josef Mácsik.“Analysis of Energy Use and Emissions of Greenhouse
Gases,Metals and Organic Substances from Construction Materials Used for Artificial
Turf.”Resources,Conservation and Recycling 122 (2017):362–372.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.03.007.
Synthetic Turf Is Not Recyclable:
Beyond Plastics.“The Real Truth About the U.S.Plastics Recycling Rate.”May 2022.
https://www.beyondplastics.org/publications/us-plastics-recycling-rate.
Bruggers,James.“Who Said Recycling Was Green?It Makes Microplastics by the Ton.”Inside
Climate News.May 16,2023.
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/16052023/recycling-plastic-microplastics-waste/.
NRCD.“New NRDC ‘Chemical Recycling’Analysis:Process is Harmful,Misleading,Not
Solving Plastic Pollution.”March 7,2022.
https://www.nrdc.org/press-releases/new-nrdc-chemical-recycling-analysis-process-harmf
ul-misleading-not-solving-plastic.
ExxonMobil.“ExxonMobil Starts Large Operations at Large-Scaled Advanced Recycling
Facility.”December 14,2022.
https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/news/news-releases/2022/1214_exxonmobil-starts-ope
rations-at-large-scale-advanced-recycling-facility.
Alternative Options:
The Lawn Institute.“Carbon Sequestration.”
https://www.thelawninstitute.org/environmental-benefits/carbon-sequestration/
Arellano,Gustavo.“Column:Has a UC Riverside Researcher Created the Holy Grail of
Drought-Tolerant Lawns?”Los Angeles Times.September 9,2022.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-09-09/uc-riverside-turfgrass-research-jim-
baird.
Morris,B.and Devitt,D.“Turfgrasses for Urban Mojave Desert Landscapes.”University of
Nevada Extension.2011.https://extension.unr.edu/publication.aspx?PubID=3320.
The Lawn Institute.“Fresh Oxygen Production by Natural Grass Lawns in the United States.”
https://www.thelawninstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/TLI-FreshO2production_U
S-Final.pdf.
UC Riverside.“Turfgrass Science:Meet the Team.”https://turfgrass.ucr.edu/meet-team.
Non Toxic Communities.“Organic Athletic Fields.”
https://www.nontoxiccommunities.com/organic-athletic-fields.html.
Beyond Pesticides.“Natural Turf Management Results with Chip Osborne of Osborne Organics
and Beyond Pesticides.”YouTube video.May 9,2022.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3P1T3fgy6I&ab_channel=BeyondPesticides.
City of Irvine.“Organic Pesticides Program.”
https://www.cityofirvine.org/news-media/news-article/organic-pesticides-program.
Jackson,Josh.“For Fisher Cats,Grass Will Soon be Greener.”MILB.June 4,2019.
https://www.milb.com/news/new-hampshire-fisher-cats-growing-organic-field-30733499
2.
Winz,Robyn,Lee L.Yu,Li-Piin Sung,YuYe J.Tong,and Dejun Chen.“Assessing Children’s
Potential Exposures to Harmful Metals in Tire Crumb Rubber by Accelerated
Photodegradation Weathering.”Scientific Reports 13,no.1 (2023):13877.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-38574-z.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION: Preliminary & Final Site Plan, Special Permit
Cornell University Meinig Fieldhouse
Town of Ithaca Tax Parcel No. 67.-1-13.2
Planning Board, October 15, 2024
WHEREAS:
1. This action is consideration of Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval and Special Permit
for the proposed Cornell University Meinig Fieldhouse Indoor Sports and Recreational
Facility, located at Robison Alumni Fields on Tower Road on the Cornell University central
campus. The project involves replacing the Robison Alumni Fields with a 90,000+/- square
foot, 56-foot-tall indoor fieldhouse building and a new synthetic outdoor field hockey field
along with new sidewalks and pedestrian connections, stormwater facilities, landscaping,
lighting, and other site improvements. Cornell University, Owner; Kimberly Michaels,
TWM, a Fisher Associates Landscape Architecture Studio, Applicant/Agent,
2. Approximately 80% of the Meinig Fieldhouse Indoor Sports and Recreation Center project
is located within the City of Ithaca. The overall project area totals 7+/- acres, with 5.8+/-
acres in the City of Ithaca (including the proposed outdoor synthetic turf field hockey field,
approximately 74,000+/- square feet of the proposed fieldhouse building, most of the
proposed paving, landscaping, lighting and stormwater management facilities) and
1.22.1+/- acres in the Town of Ithaca (including approximately 16,000+/- square feet of the
proposed fieldhouse building, some paving, landscaping, lighting, and stormwater
facilities),
3. The project is a Type I action under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act
(6 NYCRR Part 617), for which the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board, acting
as Lead Agency, issued a negative determination of environmental significance on
September 3, 2024,
4. The Town of Ithaca Planning Board, at a Public Hearing held on October 15, 2024, reviewed,
and accepted as adequate a Basic Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, along with an
application submission titled “Meinig Fieldhouse Indoor Sports and Recreation Facility, Site
Plan Review Materials Submission,” prepared by Fisher Associates and dated September 20,
2024; said materials were supplemental to previously-submitted application materials and
drawings dated December 15, 2023, April 19, 2024, and June 10, 2024, and other application
materials, and
5. Project plans, and related information, were duly delivered to the Tompkins County
Planning and Sustainability Department per New York State General Municipal Law §§239-
l et seq., and such Department responded in a January 16, 2024, letter from Katherine
Borgella, Tompkins County Commissioner of Planning, pursuant to §§239-l, -m, and -n of
the New York State General Municipal Law, determining that the proposed action will have
no significant county-wide or inter-community impact;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
1. That the Planning Board hereby finds that the Special Permit standards of Article XXIV Section
270-200, Subsections A – H, of the Town of Ithaca Code, have been met, specifically that:
A. The project will be suitable for the property on which it is proposed, considering the property’s size,
location, and physical site characteristics.
• The project is located on the Cornell University campus and will be constructed over two existing
sports fields. The property’s size, location, and physical site characteristics can accommodate a
fieldhouse building and associated amenities.
B. The proposed structure design and site layout are compatible with the surrounding area.
• The structure design is modern and will be located among other modern and historic structures on
the Cornell University central campus. The structure and site layout are compatible with the
surrounding college campus area.
C. Operations in connection with the proposed use do not create any more noise, fumes, vibration,
illumination, or other potential nuisances than the operation of any permitted use in the zone.
• The proposed project will produce temporary noise, vibration, and other nuisances associated with
construction. Such nuisances will cease upon completion of the project. Proposed illumination will
comply with the Town Outdoor Lighting Law (Town Code, Chapter 173).
D. Community infrastructure and services, such as police, fire and other protective services, roadways,
schools, and water and sewer facilities are currently, or will be, of adequate capacity to accommodate
the proposed use.
• The proposal is largely located within the City of Ithaca, which contains its own community
infrastructure and services. The services in the Town of Ithaca portion of the project are of
adequate capacity to accommodate the proposed use.
E. The proposed use, structure design, and site layout will comply with all the provisions of the Town
Code and with the Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan, except where the Zoning Board of Appeals are
considering area variances/appeals.
F. The site layout, with proposed vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian access, traffic circulation, and parking
and loading facilities, is sufficient for the proposed use and is safely designed for emergency vehicles.
• The small portion of the site layout that will be in the Town of Ithaca includes a widened walkway
that is specifically designed to accommodate multiple modes of transportation, including
emergency vehicles.
G. The project includes sufficient landscaping and/or other forms of buffering to protect surrounding land
uses. Existing vegetation is preserved to the extent possible.
• The surrounding land uses are college campus uses, which are the same as the proposed use. Most
of the tree loss associated with the project will occur in the City of Ithaca. The fieldhouse building
will be constructed over an existing disturbed site. The project includes a robust and sufficient
landscaping plan surrounding the building and site.
H. To the extent deemed relevant by the Planning Board, the proposed use or structure complies with all
the criteria applicable to site plan review set forth in Chapter 270, Zoning.
2. That the Town of Ithaca Planning Board hereby grants Preliminary and Final Site Plan Approval
for the proposed Meinig Fieldhouse Indoor Sports and Recreation Facility, as described in the
materials listed in Whereas #4 above, subject to the following conditions:
a. Before issuance of a building permit, receipt of any necessary variances from the Zoning
Board of Appeals,
b. Before issuance of a building permit, and per the memo written by David O’Shea, Emily
Rodgers, and Justin McNeal, Town of Ithaca Engineering Department, dated October 4, 2024,
revision of the SWPPP Volume 1 narrative to include the following additional comment: “If
any fill sites are located within a designated MS4, the MS4 must approve the site and sign onto
the SWPPP as an additional MS4,” and
c. Before issuance of a building permit, and per the memo written by David O’Shea, Emily
Rodgers, and Justin McNeal, Town of Ithaca Engineering Department, dated October 4, 2024,
addition of winter stabilization procedures and specifications to the construction drawings, in
accordance with the Construction General Permit and the NYS Standards and Specifications
for Erosion and Sediment Control, and
d. . Before issuance of a building permit, submission of a fully executed (signed) Agreement
Between the City of Ithaca and the Town of Ithaca for Building Permitting, Inspection, and
Related Services for the Cornell University Meinig Fieldhouse Project, which must specify
responsibility for all building permits, certificates of occupancy, certificates of compliance,
and all code-related inspections.
c.
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1
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING
215 N. Tioga St 14850
607.273.1747
www.town.ithaca.ny.us
TO: Planning Board Members
FROM: Christine Balestra, Senior Planner
DATE: October 8, 2024
RE: Cornell University Maplewood II Development – Recommendation to Town Board
Regarding Proposed Planned Development Zone
Enclosed please find materials related to a recommendation to the Town of Ithaca Town Board
regarding the proposed Maplewood Phase II Planned Development Zone (PDZ), associated with the
Maplewood Phase II Project on Maple Avenue, located between the Maplewood Graduate Student
Apartment complex and the East Lawn Cemetery. The project, which requires a rezoning from the
current zoning (Multiple Residence and High Density Residential Zones) to a PDZ, involves
consolidating four parcels and constructing six (6) five-story apartment buildings, containing 615
units/800 beds in studio, one bedroom, and two-bedroom unit configurations. The project will also
include some small retail, parking areas, trails and pedestrian facilities, open spaces, stormwater
facilities, and a community center.
The Planning Board reviewed a sketch plan for the Maplewood Phase II project at the July 2, 2024,
Planning Board meeting. The Board communicated suggestions and/or concerns to the applicant
regarding the project per Town Code § 270-185 B. For the benefit of the new members on the
Planning Board, here is an excerpt from the staff sketch plan memo that explains the site
characteristics and property history:
Site characteristics
[The project consists of four adjacent parcels.] The four parcels are bound on the north by Maple
Avenue, with Cornell University-owned agricultural fields and the East Lawn Cemetery along the
easternmost boundary, and the Cornell Maplewood Graduate and Professional Student Apartments
on the south and westernmost boundary. There is a City of Ithaca-owned parcel that contains a city
water tank located between the parcels along Maple Avenue.
The project site contains vacant land, Cornell farmland, the remnants of the Maple Hill Apartments
(building foundations, paved drive lanes, paved parking areas, etc.), some large trees, and a variety of
vegetation in various succession. There are no streams, wetlands, significant slopes, or Unique
Natural Areas anywhere on or near the property. There are also no known threatened or endangered
plant or animal species that would be affected by the project. However, all of the environmental
considerations related to the project will be thoroughly analyzed as part of the environmental review
process [that will occur at the next stage of review].
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Property history
Two of the four parcels once contained single-family residences, and one of the parcels is currently
farmed. The fourth and largest parcel previously included the Maple Hill (later known as Ithaca East)
Apartment Complex, constructed in 1972, and operated by the Abbott family until October 2019. The
complex consisted of 82 units in 11 apartment buildings, a small utility shed, and a
garage/maintenance building, along with planters, roads, parking areas, playgrounds, and other
residential features. The complex was closed and vacated by all tenants shortly after its closing.
Cornell, who once owned the property and had a right of first refusal on it, re-acquired the property
and installed security fencing around the complex to alleviate the trespassing, vandalism, and
criminal activities that plagued the property after closing.
Cornell received preliminary and final site plan approval from the Planning Board on February 18,
2020, to demolish the Maple Hill Apartment complex, along with the two adjacent single family
residential properties. The approval allowed Cornell to leave the apartment building foundations,
existing paving, retaining walls, and existing vegetation, and to cap utilities in anticipation of
redeveloping the site in the future. The Planning Board determined that the demolition was a
segmentation of the environmental review process, warranted by findings listed in their SEQR
resolution for the project. The minutes from the February 18, 2020, Planning Board meeting contain
the SEQR resolution and the findings for the segmentation of the environmental review process.
Town Board & Planning Board actions
The Town of Ithaca’s 2014 Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map envisions a Traditional
Neighborhood Development character area designation for these properties. To achieve a
neighborhood development style that meets the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan, and
complements the adjacent Maplewood I project, the applicants have been encouraged to establish a
Planned Development Zone (PDZ) for the project. This involves a re-zoning from the High Density
Residential and Multiple Residence zoning designations to a PDZ.
Rezoning requests typically originate with the Town’s Planning Committee. The Committee met to
review the conceptual plans on June 20, 2024. The Planning Committee met again on July 18, August
15, and September 16, 2024, to review the draft PDZ language for the project. The Committee
referred the draft PDZ to the Town Board at their September 16, 2024, meeting. On October 7, 2024,
the Town Board (legislative body responsible for granting the rezoning), followed the process
articulated in Town Code §270, Article XXII, Procedures for Creation of New Zones, and referred the
draft PDZ to the Planning Board for a review and recommendation.
The draft PDZ language is attached for the Planning Board to consider. According to Town Code,
§270-181 (F), the Planning Board will need to hold a public hearing before making their
recommendation to the Town Board. Staff anticipates that the Board will discuss the PDZ on October
15th and make the recommendation at a subsequent meeting when the Board makes the SEQR
determination and considers preliminary approval for the project. Please feel free to contact me if
you have questions regarding this proposal by phone at (607) 273-1721, extension 121, or by email at
cbalestra@townithacany.gov.
Cc: Michele Palmer, Senior Associate, Whitham Planning & Design, PLLC
Leslie Schill, University Planner & Director of Campus Planning, Cornell University
Jeremy Thomas, Senior Director of Real Estate, Cornell University
Scott Whitham, Principal, Whitham Planning & Design, PLLC
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Introduction
The Maplewood II Planned Development (PD) Zone enables and guides the redevelopment of the Maplewood
Phase II housing complex, and its underlying site, into a compact, walkable community. This §271-18 uses a
form-based zoning approach with objective yet flexible standards, to provide clarity and certainty about site
planning and the resulting built environment.
The project envisions a high-density housing type with a community center and potential future neighborhood
commercial use. Planned Development Zone No. 15 (Maplewood Phase I, §271-15) consists of both medium
and high-density zones. Phase II will function as an additional high-density zone within the overall Maplewood
community. Maplewood Phase II will connect to Phase I’s grid of streets with a continuation of Lena Street.
The Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan recommends focusing on new residential development in areas near major
employment centers, walkable to nearby destinations, and near the City of Ithaca boundary. Maplewood II is located on
an approximately 9-acre infill site entirely within the Town of Ithaca, and approximately 400 feet from the City of Ithaca
boundary. The project is near the Cornell University campus, about 1.2 miles east of downtown Ithaca, and within a 10
to 20-minute walk of both East Hill Plaza and the center of Collegetown. The Comprehensive Plan also recommends
denser mixed-use traditional neighborhood development between Mitchell Street and Maple Avenue, including the
Maplewood site.
271-18.1 Transect Subzone
A transect subzone defines parts of the larger site that will have certain physical
and functional characteristics. Maplewood Phase I and Maplewood Phase II
constitute subzones of the larger Maplewood community. There are two transect
subzones in PDZ 15 of Maplewood Phase I and one subzone in the PDZ 17
Maplewood Phase II site area. Figure 1 is an illustrative example of the transect
subzone locations and allocation for Maplewood I P15 (approved) and Maplewood II
P17.Figure 1: Example of transect subzone location and allocation.
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271-18.2 Permitted principal and accessory uses
The following table shows permitted uses in PD 17, with specific location limitations where applicable.
P = permitted use. • = not allowed.
(cs) = commercial space in apartment building
(cc) = community center
Use (definitions in § 271-18.6) PD-17
Dwelling unit P
Health/wellness practice P (cc) (cs)
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Professional office P
Day Care center P (cc) (cs)
Restaurant P (cs)
Retail and service: general P (cs)
Artisan P (cc) (cs)
Place of assembly P
Garden market P
Community Garden P
Dog Park P
Home occupation (accessory to dwelling unit), subject to Town Code 270-219.2 or
successor code
P
271-18.3 Neighborhood design
271-18.3 A. Dwelling units
The number of allowable dwelling units for PD 17 is: less than or equal to 615 units.
The following table shows the breakdown of unit types in PD 17.
Program Total Units Total Beds
Studios 240 240
One Bedroom 190 190
Two Bedroom 185 370
Totals 615 800
271-18.3 B. Civic and open space
1. Required civic building
The PD 17site must have a 4,000 sf space within a civic building assigned for community center use. It should be
located at or close to the center of a built-up area; next to a civic/open space or at the axial termination of a
prominent thoroughfare.
2. Required open space area
The PD 17 site must have ≥25% of the total site must be assigned for community open space. Open space
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types, settings, and requirements include the following.
Open space type (definitions in §271-18.6)
Park.
A park may be a non-linear area, or linear space following connecting ways or natural corridors
A park can include wooded areas with connecting trails throughout
A dog park
A park may be independent of surrounding building frontages.
Park boundary/edge along a neighborhood interior street or perimeter street ROW: ≥10% must abut a
street
Green
Green boundary/edge along a neighborhood interior street or perimeter street ROW: ≥50% must abut
a street
Plaza
Plaza boundary/edge along a neighborhood interior street or perimeter street ROW: ≥50% must abut a
street
Community open space calculation does not include the following.
A yard, balcony, patio, or other outdoor space for use or access only by a specific dwelling unit or a
limited number of dwelling units.
Public or private thoroughfare/street right-of-way, or integral features (such as sidewalks and tree
lawn areas).
Parking area or driveway.
Stormwater detention/retention facility or drainage swale area, unless design allows practical use as
an accessible year-round amenity for residents of the development (picnic area, passive recreation
area, playground, and the like), or it is a bioswale that visually integrates into the larger open space
site.
Entry feature, median, or traffic island.
3. Access
An open space area must function as part of the broader public realm and allow community-wide access and
passage.
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271-18.3 C. Thoroughfares and Trails
1. Thoroughfare and trail types and design
There is one thoroughfare type: neighborhood local street: there is one trail type: multi-use trail
Thoroughfare type ►
▼ Characteristics
Neighborhood local street
Purpose Primary street through the entire PD site with two vehicle lanes on the
two-way thoroughfare, one lane wide enough to accommodate fire
apparatus on the one-way thoroughfare and parking on both sides.
Right-of-way width 56’-64’
Sidewalk width 5’-8’ (one side - on the building side of the street and where
parallel parking is located)
Tree lawn width * 6’-10’ (one side)
Parking lane width 8’ (parallel side)
18’ (perpendicular side)
Travel area width 26’ (for two-way traffic, two 13’ lanes, no lane dividing marking; for
one-way traffic one 26’ travel lane) where fire access is required;
shared lanes marked with sharrows
Curb type barrier
Trail type ►
▼ Characteristics
Multi-use Trail
Purpose Informal linear paved or stabilized path for pedestrian and bicycle
circulation and connectivity to the East Hill Recreation Way and
adjacent Planned Development Zone No. 15. Must accommodate
all intended users and minimize conflicts.
Trail width 10’ with minimum 2’ either side mown grass strip to act as a shoulder
Curb type none
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Thoroughfare and Trail sections (illustrative examples)
Existing thoroughfares along the perimeter of the PDZ 17 site (Maple Avenue) must have improvements
(sidewalks, tree lawns, tree planting, and curbs), so they follow neighborhood local street standards as much as
possible. A sidewalk must follow the south side of Maple Avenue along the full PD site frontage.
A thoroughfare or trail must have hard surface paving (porous or solid asphalt, concrete, or segmental pavers) for
sidewalks, parking lanes, and travel lanes.
Neighborhood Local Street Section
Multi-use Trail Section
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2. Thoroughfare and trail layout
A thoroughfare or trail must be permanently open to the public and provide community-wide access as part of an overall
connected street network. A thoroughfare or trail must not have gated access.
A thoroughfare must begin and end at other thoroughfares.
An intersection must approximate a right angle as much as possible.
271-18.4 D. Utilities
Permanent utilities (water, sewer, natural gas [if any], district heating/cooling, electricity, communications, and the
like) must be underground. Short-term utility service for construction activities may be above ground.
A utility easement must be in a location where maintenance or repair work will cause the least disruption. Utility
easement location must not prevent or undermine street tree planting.
271-18.5 Site and building design
271-18.5 A. Performance Standards
1. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any use permitted in this PD shall be in conformity with the following
additional standards:
2. Height. The maximum height of buildings and structures shall be as follows:
a. No building shall be erected, altered, or extended to exceed 65 feet in height as determined by
an average grade plane measure, but excluding rooftop appurtenances such as mechanical
equipment, exhaust pipes, radio antenna, elevator override provided such appurtenances do not
themselves exceed an additional 12 feet in height.
b. Abutting the Maple Avenue frontage between the water tower at 227 Maple Ave. and PD 15-H,
no building shall be erected, altered, or extended to exceed 58 feet in height as determined by
an average grade plane measure, but excluding rooftop appurtenances such as mechanical
equipment, exhaust pipes, radio antenna, elevator override provided such appurtenances do not
themselves exceed an additional 12 feet in height. No structure, other than a building, shall be
erected, altered, or extended to exceed 20 feet in height.
3. Ground coverage. Total coverage of ground by buildings, thoroughfares and trails, parking lots and
sidewalks shall not exceed 55% of the PD. Total maximum ground coverage by buildings alone shall not
exceed 25% of the PD.
4. Yards.
a. Unless a deviation is authorized by the Planning Board, for good cause shown, the yard
requirements shall be as follows:
i. Front yard: from Maple Avenue Right-of-way shall be not less than 12 feet.
ii. Side yards: from property line shall be not less than 30 feet.
iii. Rear yard: from property line shall be not less than 10 feet.
5. Building Separation. Building separation will be as dictated by the NYS Fire Code for building type and
construction method.
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271-18.5 B. Building types and disposition
Principal building types include the following.
Building type ►
▼ Disposition
Apartment building Civic building Accessory building
(bike storage facility)
Illustrative example
Building Facade
Frontage buildout on a street
• ≥50% primary frontage
• ≥50% corner side frontage
n/a
n/a
Front façade and main entrance
orientation
May face street or public green space May face street or public green space May face street or public
green space
Bulk/Massing
Height
Gross floor area (GFA, square feet)
Street-facing wall length without
≥ 2’ offset:
Building length: primary façade
• 5 stories
n/a
≤ 100’ ground story
≤275’
• 1-3 stories
• 5,000 ft² -12,000 ft²
n/a
n/a
• 1 story
• 1500 ft² -
n/a
n/a
Façade transparency: primary
frontage.
≥30% ground story
≥30% upper story
≥30% ground and upper stories ≥50% ground story
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Façade transparency: corner side
frontage
Façade transparency: side/rear
facade (if not a party wall):
≥30% ground story
≥30% upper story
≥30% ground and upper stories
≥30% ground and upper stories
≥30% ground and upper stories
≥50% ground story
≥50% ground story
Occupancy
Dwelling Units
Commercial
90 to 110 per building
≤ 5,000 sq ft. on the ground floor,
cumulative for the site
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Zoning code (or successor code) provisions allowing certain building features to encroach beyond setback or
height limits also apply.
271-18.5 C. Building form and design
1. Four-sided design
A building must have consistent material treatment, architectural details, proportions, and colors on all exterior
walls.
2. Accessory structures
A permanent accessory building must have material treatment, architectural details, proportions, and colors that
are consistent with the principal building.
3. Exterior materials
Vinyl siding, and prefabricated and pre-engineered metal buildings, are not allowed. This does not apply to
temporary buildings for construction field offices and similar short-term uses.
4. Utility and service areas
Rooftop or ground-mounted mechanical equipment, utility areas, and trash enclosure or storage areas, require
concealment or screening to hide them from view from adjacent pedestrian walkways and thoroughfares. The form
of concealment or screening must be architecturally consistent or integral to the host structure. This does not
apply to roof-top mounted photovoltaic solar panel systems, though any panels must have antireflective coatings.
271-18.5 D. Parking
1. Required parking spaces
The cumulative total of parking for the PD 17 site is as follows.
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Use Motor vehicle parking (range) Bicycle parking
Residential: studio unit 0.0 to 0.25 spaces/unit ≥1 secure or short-term space / 6 units
Residential: 1 bedroom unit 0.0 to 0.25 spaces/unit
Residential: 2 bedroom unit 0.0 to 0.5 spaces/unit
Non-residential (all uses) 0.0 to 0.5 spaces / 500’² GFA ≥1 short-term space / 2000 ft² GFA
Public transit stop n/a ≥4 short-term spaces/stop
• Parking space count may include dedicated spaces for car/bicycle sharing and charging.
• Motor vehicle space size: 8.5’ x 18’ clear rectangle area for on-street perpendicular, 7-8’ x 22’ for on-street parallel.
• Secure bicycle space: bicycle locker, dedicated space in a garage, anchored rack space with overhead protection from the elements,
and other fully enclosed or secure areas.
• Short-term bicycle space: anchored rack space.
On-street parking spaces may count towards required parking.
Two motorcycle parking spaces (each space ≥4.25’ x 7’) may count as one motor vehicle parking space.
2. Off-street parking lot location
Off-street surface parking may be along streets.
3. Off-street parking lot design
Building siting, landscaping, or architectural treatment must screen a parking area (not including an individual
driveway) from thoroughfares and residential areas outside of the PD site.
A parking area must have a sidewalk or paved walkway, to provide pedestrian access from nearby thoroughfares.
4. Parking surfaces
Parking areas must have a fixed impervious or porous surface.
Pavement edge must have a clear definition, using curbs or a different durable material. Curbing allowing water
runoff (rollover curb, or barrier curb with gaps) is preferable to curbing that traps stormwater.
5. Landscape area
A parking lot must have ≥1 landscaped interior island (≥8.5’ wide, ≥160 ft² area) for every 10 parking spaces.
A row of parking spaces must have a landscape island (or equivalent landscape area) at each end.
A row of parking that is not interrupted by a landscape island must be ≤10 spaces long.
A landscape island should function as part of the larger stormwater management system of the PD site.
On-street parallel parking does not require landscape islands.
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On-street perpendicular parking fully adjacent to a landscaped tree lawn or other landscaped area does not require
landscape islands.
6. Renewable energy
Any parking space (on-street and off-street, for any type of vehicle) may have an electric vehicle charging station.
≥5% of off-street parking spaces will be provided with electric vehicle charging stations at project
opening. ≥20% of off-street parking spaces must have utility provisions for future electric vehicle
charging stations. A solar carport may cover any off-street parking space.
271-18.5 E. Landscaping
1. Tree classes
Street tree refers to trees in a tree lawn or tree well alongside a street or traffic island.
Canopy trees and short trees refer to trees in yards, courts, landscaping areas, open space areas, and similar
areas.
2. Thoroughfare tree lawns
A tree lawn area on a primary or secondary street must have ≥1 street tree every 20’ to 40’ along its length, with
an average spacing of ≤30’ along the block length.
A maximum of 25% of the trees on the entire site may be from a single tree species.
A parking lot landscape island must have ≥1 canopy tree for every 160 ft² of landscape island area.
3. Other landscape areas
A green, court, or garden (§ 271-18.4 B 2) must have ≥1 canopy tree for every ≤2000 ft² of contiguous open space
area. For ≤50% of all required canopy trees in other landscape areas, 2 short trees may substitute for 1 canopy
tree.
4. Tree species for the required planting
Tree species for required plantings must have these traits.
Native or adapted to upstate New York (USDA hardiness zone 5a, 5b, 6a).
Not invasive (according to the most recent Tompkins County Regional Invasive Species and Worst
Invasive Species lists), or species with known parasites or pathogens including ash and hemlock.
Follow requirements for allowed or prohibited tree species in Town zoning regulations, if applicable. Street tree
species must also have these traits:
Mature height of ≥30’ except where restricted by fire access requirements.
A crown that can grow to shade a sidewalk and street.
Downward-oriented root system.
Salt tolerant.
Not brittle, or prone to dropping heavy fruit.
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Canopy tree species must have a mature height of ≥40’ except where restricted by fire access requirements.
Short tree species must have a mature height of ≥20’.
A street tree or canopy tree planting must have a diameter at breast height (DBH) of ≥2”. A short tree planting
must have a DBH of ≥1.5”.
5. Other landscaping requirements
Exposed ground surfaces must have groundcover planting or mulch to cover otherwise exposed soil.
271-18.5 F. Fences and walls
Maximum fence or wall height is 5’ in a front setback area and 8’ elsewhere.
Acceptable materials for walls include brick, stone, split-faced blocks, decorative blocks, cast stone, and glass
blocks.
Acceptable materials for fences include wood, composite fencing, wrought iron, PVC/vinyl, PVC coated/color
coated chain link, or welded wire panels. This does not apply to deer fencing, snow fencing, and temporary
fencing for construction and short-term activities.
Barbed wire, concertina wire, and un-coated (galvanized) chain link are not acceptable. This does not apply to temporary
fencing for construction activities.
271-18.5 G. Signs
Signs must conform to then-current Town of Ithaca sign code (or successor code) standards for the following:
Attached signs on storefronts: standards for the NC-Neighborhood Commercial (or successor) zone
Residential and other uses: standards for the MR-Multiple Residence (or successor) zone.
271-18.5 I. Outdoor Lighting
1. Light output
Photometric performance must conform to the then-current Town of Ithaca outdoor lighting law (or successor code)
standards.
2. Freestanding fixtures/poles
Height:
Neighborhood streets: ≤16’
Elsewhere: ≤12’
Design and location:
Pole design should have a distinct base, middle, and top.
Maximum form base/Sono tube top is ≤4” above grade.
Poles must not block sidewalks or walkways.
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3. Attached fixtures
Fixture design should be consistent with the architectural style and detailing of the host structure.
Sconces, gooseneck fixtures, and recessed fixtures are allowed. Wall-pack lighting is not acceptable.
271-18.6 Definitions
These words or terms have a special meaning in § 271-18 for this PD.
Apartment building (building type in § 271-18.5): Building with >3 dwelling units, vertically and horizontally
integrated, connected with one or more shared entries.
Artisan (use in § 271-18.3): Establishment or studio where people make art or products by hand, using handheld
tools or small-scale table-mounted equipment. This includes related sales onsite.
Average Grade Plane: Is a reference plane representing the average of finished ground level adjoining the building at
exterior walls. Where the finished ground level slopes along the exterior walls, the reference plane shall be established
by averaging the two lowest grade points and the two highest grade points on the exterior to establish the overall
building height.
Block (context of roads or thoroughfares): area bounded by thoroughfares, or a combination of thoroughfares and
barriers to continued development (examples: public land, waterway).
Civic building (building type in § 271-18.5): A building that accommodates a place of assembly, civic, or
community use.
Court (open space type in § 271-18.4): Open space for civic purposes, passive or active recreation, or
connectivity within or through the site. Building frontages spatially defines a court.
Day care center (use in § 271-18.3): Establishment providing any of the following services, as defined by the
NYS Department of Social Services or its successor agency in the following or successor regulations, for all or
part of a day: child day care (18 NYCRR §418.1), small daycare (18 NYCRR §418.2), school-age childcare (18
NYCRR §414).
Dog Park: A park for dogs to exercise and play off-leash in a controlled environment under the supervision of their owners.
Dwelling unit (use in § 271-18.3): An apartment, or a room or group of connected rooms, occupied or set up as
separate living quarters for living, sleeping, cooking, eating, bathing, and sanitation purposes.
Frontage: Area between a building facade and a neighboring thoroughfare or court, including built and vegetated
components.
Garden (open space type in § 271-18.4): Open space for a playground or community garden.
Green (open space type in § 271-18.4): Open space for community gathering, or passive or active recreation, with
prominent (≥50%) softscape or vegetative cover (such as lawn, trees, shrubs, plant beds). Landscaping and/or
street frontages define its space more so than building frontages.
Health/wellness practice (use in § 271-18.3): Establishment providing outpatient medical, medical allied health
care, or alternative medical services.
Park (open space type in § 271-18.4): Open space for recreation, including dog recreation, or aesthetic
enjoyment. Prominent (≥50%) landscape includes paths and trails, fields and meadows, water bodies, woodland,
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lawns, gardens, and open shelters.
Pavement, fixed: Durable, fixed surface formed from asphalt, concrete, tightly spaced segmental pavers, and/or
similar durable materials, both pervious and impervious.
Pavement, porous: Durable surface allowing easy passage of water through pores. This includes segmental
pavers, open cell pavers, and similar products; and ribbon/double track driveways with wheel strips of a durable
pavement material. This does not include crushed stone, wood chips, dirt, grass, or other loose or unimproved
surfaces.
Place of assembly (use in § 271-18.3): Facility used mainly for public/resident assembly for worship, meeting,
or community purposes. (Examples: religious congregation, secular assembly, community center, common
house, amenity center.)
Plaza (open space type in § 271-18.4): Open space for community gathering, or passive or active recreation,
with prominent (≥50%) hardscape cover. Building and street frontages define its space more so than
landscaping.
Professional office (use in § 271-18.3): Establishment providing professional, administrative, clerical, or
information processing services.
Restaurant (use in § 271-18.3): Establishment preparing and selling food, drinks, and/or alcoholic beverages in
a ready-to-consume state, to customers onsite or delivery offsite.
Retail and service - general (use in § 271-18.3): Establishment selling or renting a tangible good or product to
the public, and/or providing a service to customers onsite.
Stubout thoroughfare: improved dead-end thoroughfare ending at the boundary of a development site, serving
as a provision for later extension and connection to thoroughfares and development beyond the site.
Thoroughfare: paved travel way with travel lanes for vehicles and bicycles, parking lanes, and/or sidewalks or
paths; and related infrastructure and/or amenities.
Transparency: building wall length occupied by functioning doors and/or windows ≥5’ tall.
271-18.7 Administration
271-18.7 A. Site plan
A final site plan approved by the Town Planning Board pursuant to Chapter 270, Zoning, is required for
development in this PD zone.
271-18.7 B. Miscellaneous
1. Violations and enforcement
Any violations of the terms of this section shall constitute a violation of the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance and
shall be punishable as set forth in said ordinance and § 268 of the Town Law of the State of New York. Each
week's continued violation shall constitute a separate offense. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Town reserves for
itself, its agencies and all other persons having an interest, all remedies and rights to enforce the provisions of this
section, including, without limitation, actions for any injunction or other equitable remedy, or action and damages, in
the event the owners or lessees of the parcels covered by this section fail to comply with any of the provisions
hereof.
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If any building or land development activity is installed or conducted in violation of this section, the Code Enforcement
Officer may withhold any building permit, certificate of occupancy, or certificate of compliance, and/or prevent the
occupancy of said building or land.
2. Town Code applicability
Except as otherwise specified in this section, all provisions of the Town of Ithaca Code shall apply to all
development, structures, and uses in Planned Development Zone No. 17.
271-18.8 PD area
Area rezoned. The area encompassed and rezoned in accordance with this section to be Planned Development Zone
No. 18 is described below. The Official Zoning Map of the Town of Ithaca is hereby amended by adding such district at
the location described.
Description of Area Rezoned to Planned Development Zone No. 17
All that tract or parcels of land situated in the Town of Ithaca, County of Tompkins, State of New York, bounded and
described as follows:
ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situated in the Town of Ithaca, County of Tompkins, State of New York,
being bounded and described as follows:
Legal Description to follow.