Norwalk committee schedules public hearing after residents press PFAS, health concerns over Broad River turf plan

The Recreation and Parks and Cultural Affairs Committee voted unanimously April 9 to schedule a public hearing on the Broad River Baseball Complex for 6 p.m. May 14 to collect public input and technical analysis on whether the complex should use synthetic turf, hybrid infields or all-grass fields.

The hearing follows nearly two hours of public comment and committee discussion in which neighbors, scientists and youth-sports volunteers aired competing concerns about field playability, maintenance costs, climate resilience and potential contamination of nearby drinking-water supplies.

Residents and environmental advocates pressed the committee to delay any decision until a neutral, technical review is completed. Diane Loricella, a nearby resident, urged a “comprehensive neutral party” be hired and said, “In fact, a moratorium on artificial turf fields would be in the offing” until further study is done.

Richard Harris, a marine scientist with East Norwalk Blue, told the committee that samples taken near the proposed site showed per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) already present in local groundwater and surface water, and he cited the Environmental Protection Agency’s recently published 4-parts-per-trillion benchmark for PFOA/PFOS in drinking water. “There is no safe level,” Harris said, and he recommended either all-grass fields or a grass outfield with a dirt infield to avoid adding new sources of PFAS runoff.

Those who operate youth leagues and manage fields argued turf provides a more consistent playing surface and extended seasonal use. A volunteer heavily involved in youth baseball told the committee the Broad River infields are often unplayable after rain and that installing turf infields would allow more games, tournaments and year-round use. “Not turfing, at least the infields, is just not the right thing to do for Norwalk going forward,” the speaker said.

Committee members and Parks Department staff outlined three options that remain under consideration: 1) fully synthetic turf fields; 2) hybrid design with synthetic infields and grass outfields (using non–crumb-rubber infill such as cork); or 3) traditional clay infields and natural grass outfields. Parks Director Robert Stowers said initial cost estimates vary — the consultant’s higher-range figure discussed included drainage and contingencies — and stressed that the complex also includes parking, lighting for one field, press boxes, concessions, restrooms and other site work that drives the total price.

Committee members repeatedly emphasized the trade-offs. Some favored avoiding synthetic materials near drinking-water sources and wells, others pointed to maintenance and usage concerns if the city kept strictly natural fields without increasing maintenance staffing and budget. Council member Miss Dunn, who lives in the Broad River area, said that many neighbors rely on private wells and expressed concern that “even any bit of additional contamination … is too much.”

Rather than choose between the options at the April meeting, the committee voted to hold a public hearing at its May meeting to allow technical experts, health authorities, watershed representatives, league organizers and neighbors to present evidence and ask questions. The committee also asked staff to assemble any available testing data, relevant manufacturer safety data sheets, and a comparison of lifecycle costs for properly maintained clay, grass and turf options.

The May 14 hearing will be held at 6 p.m. during the committee’s regular meeting; the committee asked staff to post notification and supporting documents ahead of that date so residents and stakeholders can prepare.

Neighbor groups and environmental organizations indicated they will participate; at least one resident said she would provide academic studies and local testing results. Parks staff said they will compile the consultant’s existing memo and any follow-up requests from the committee for distribution before the hearing.

The committee did not adopt a final design or award any construction contracts for Broad River at the April 9 meeting. The hearing is intended to provide the committee and the Common Council with community input and technical analysis before a final vote.

For now, Parks Department staff said the project schedule remains tentative and that procurement timelines will depend on the committee and council direction following the May public hearing.