Burrillville residents press council to pause high-school turf installation over PFAS fears

Residents opposed to a scheduled artificial-turf installation at Burrillville High School pressed the Town Council on July 10 to stop the project until the town and school committee can answer questions about “forever chemicals” and warranty, disposal and water-supply risks.

Sylvia Saint Pierre, who identified herself as a member of the school committee, told the council that the committee is concerned about PFAS in the artificial turf and the effect on athletes and local water. “These children, as they play on this field, will impale these microplastics, wear them on their equipment and clothing, and carry them into their homes,” Saint Pierre said, and she said the committee will contact legal counsel and consider banning the product.

A chemist who spoke at the meeting, David Brunetti, cited recent studies and two Rhode Island House bills that he said restrict PFAS in products and expand drinking-water monitoring. “PFAS or per and polyfluoroalkyl substances…are linked to cancer, liver problems, thyroid issues, birth defects, kidney disease, decreased immunity,” Brunetti said, and told the council he opposes the installation.

Several other residents and specialists—coaches, engineers and town committee members—made similar points: Krista Yacobucci (engineer) and Amy Hauser (high-school coach) appealed to the council to prioritize children’s health, while Roberta Lacey and others raised questions about whether required zoning or earth-removal permits were sought and asked the council to publish the town’s contract with the turf vendor.

Speakers repeatedly asked three specific actions of the council: post the contract and warranty language for the vendor, pause or halt further installation until independent testing and legal review are complete, and confirm where irrigation or runoff will be routed to protect town drinking-water sources. Roberta Lacey cited a local ordinance (transcribed as “ordinance 32-02” and “section 12-74 article 3” in public comment) that she said prohibits toxic substances over the town aquifer and said she believed earth-removal permits may be required.

The chair and administration repeatedly explained that the forum was public comment and that the council would not engage in back-and-forth during the period; council members said the administration is collecting facts and will present findings at a later time. The transcript records requests from multiple citizens that the council pause the project immediately and suggested alternatives, including using natural grass instead of turf.

What happens next: Council members said administration is doing due diligence and will present assembled facts to the public and council before taking additional steps. At the meeting, residents left with the council’s assurance that the matter was on the town’s radar but without a vote to pause the project.