A recent study conducted by the University of British Columbia has highlighted potential environmental issues linked to artificial turf fields in Metro Vancouver. The study points out that these fields are releasing a harmful chemical that poses a threat to coho salmon. Published in the journal Environmental Science Processes & Impacts, the research reveals that the fields are releasing a chemical known as 6PPD-quinone into stormwater systems, which can eventually reach streams and rivers during rainfall.
The study, co-authored by UBC assistant professor Rachel Scholes, attributes the pollution to the crumb rubber infill commonly used in artificial turf. Samples were collected from 12 fields in Metro Vancouver, along with stormwater from the drainage systems of three fields during rainstorms. The research indicates that the contamination is not limited to newer fields, as pollutants can persist for years, with fields releasing harmful substances over their lifespan, which can extend beyond a decade.
According to Katie Moloney, a PhD student in environmental engineering at UBC, even small amounts of the chemical can be detrimental, likening it to a drop of water in an Olympic pool. The study found that the concentration of 6PPD-quinone released exceeds lethal levels for coho salmon and could be fatal upon contact. The fields, containing approximately 125 tonnes of crumb rubber, equivalent to around 20,000 tires, act as long-term sources of pollution that enter stormwater pipes and waterways.
The concern raised by environmentalists and stream watchers in British Columbia stems from the chemical’s adverse effects on coho salmon. Despite synthetic turf fields being favored for their year-round usability and cost-effectiveness, the Vancouver Park Board has shifted away from crumb rubber infill due to the identified risks. Other municipalities like Surrey and Burnaby are also addressing the issue, emphasizing safety standards and proactive measures to protect waterways and aquatic life.
To mitigate risks posed by the harmful chemicals, Scholes suggests using alternative turf infill materials like polymer or implementing treatment systems beneath the fields to capture contaminants before they enter the stormwater system. These measures, although potentially more costly, could help safeguard the environment and prevent harm to salmon and other species.
