Lets keep our cool & go back to grass
LivGreen, is urging independent review before the Township Council moves forward with a proposal to replace natural grass fields at Brendan Tevlin Memorial Fields with synthetic turf — citing financial, environmental and public health risks. Those fields have long served as a quiet anchor of this suburban township — and the fight to protect them is now raising harder questions. Even as Livingston invests in removing cancer-linked PFAS ("forever chemicals") from its drinking water, the township is weighing a plan that environmental advocates say could reintroduce those same chemicals into the Passaic River watershed.
The Township is currently exploring a project that would convert the upper and lower natural turf fields into impermeable artificial playing surfaces while adding field accessories and stormwater improvements. Project documents have been submitted to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), to establish the extent of wetlands and the riparian zone, as the site lies near the Floodplain of the Passaic River.
LivGreen believes the proposal deserves closer scrutiny, particularly given growing concerns about synthetic turf's environmental impact, increased long-term costs associated with the need for replacement and disposal, and the need to protect against long-term public health concerns — a view supported by the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions, the Sierra Club, Beyond Plastic NJ and Clean Water Action.
Environmental and Health Concerns
The committee also raised concerns about PFAS (“forever chemicals”), which are used in many synthetic turf products. These chemicals have been linked to cancer, immune system damage, thyroid disorders, and cardiovascular disease. “Livingston Township is already investing significant resources to address PFAS contamination and update our water infrastructure,” the group wrote in a memo to the council. “Installing synthetic turf in a floodplain near the Passaic River appears inconsistent with these efforts.” Microplastics present a parallel risk .
Artificial turf fields are made primarily from plastic fibers and infill materials. The Sierra Club notes these materials gradually break down, releasing microplastics into surrounding soil, waterways, and air. The group estimates that a typical turf field can lose up to 0.5–8% of its plastic fibers annually, spreading hundreds to thousands of pounds of plastic waste into the environment. In addition, LivGreen noted that artificial turf can become significantly hotter than natural grass. Studies show synthetic surfaces can reach temperatures 20–70°F higher than natural turf, potentially reaching 158°F on a 96°F day, increasing the risk of heat-related illness for athletes. Adopting alternative ‘natural’ infills can lower the temperature compared to rubber infill, however pitch temperatures will still be elevated compared to natural grass.
The Children’s Environmental Health Center at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has publicly advised against installing synthetic playing surfaces due to uncertainties around chemical exposure and extreme heat.
Floodplain and Stormwater Issues
Because artificial turf is considered an impermeable surface, it will increase stormwater runoff. The fields sit within the Passaic River watershed and near sensitive ecological areas, including vernal pools that support amphibians and other wildlife. LivGreen argues that expanding impermeable surfaces in a flood-prone area will increase costs to provide the necessary stormwater run off capture, treatment and release to meet the NJPACT REAL climate resilience rules, which were adopted to address increased flooding and intense rainfall associated with climate change. In addition, the NJDEP is about to release Surface Water Quality Standards for PFAS which may also impact any development.
Clarifications
LivGreen have asked the Township Council to clarify several aspects of the project, including:
● Whether a cost comparison between natural and synthetic turf has been conducted
● Whether a feasibility study examined alternatives to artificial turf
● The proposed project timeline and the extent of the turf installation
● Details about a reported hazardous substance remediation at the site
The committee also suggested the Township consult independent sports field specialists to compare the usage hours and maintenance requirements of natural versus synthetic surfaces, and not rely on manufacturers assessments alone.
LivGreen recommends investing in improved natural grass fields with dedicated management by a certified Sports Field Manager, supported by the resources necessary to ensure they can implement training, purchase equipment and manage sustainable maintenance. This has the added benefit of improving best practices across all the natural field facilities. The group says well-maintained natural turf can provide safe playing conditions while protecting environmental resources. They also propose exploring innovative approaches utilizing green infrastructure to create a “living laboratory” combining recreation with environmental stewardship and community education.
“Residents deserve safe, reliable spaces to play and compete,” the memo states. “But those benefits should not come at the expense of public health, increased flooding risks, and long-term environmental harm.” Town officials have not yet announced a timeline or final decision on the proposal.
If the community is interested in learning more about this topic, LivGreen will be hosting “Back to Grass” an educational webinar from Taylor McFarland of the NJ Sierra Club at 6pm 06/04/2026.
A separate event will also be hosted by the NJ Sierra Club on 05/28 featuring Zach Holm a Natural Grass specialist, both will provide great resources to help inform conversation on this project.
Details are available at livgreen.net/events
