Conservation groups urge Pinelands Commission to hear turf experts, warn of microplastics risks

During public comment, a representative for the Pinelands Alliance and the New Jersey chapter of the Sierra Club urged the Pinelands Commission committee to hear experienced field managers, sod farmers and turf scientists before moving forward on policies that could permit artificial turf within the Pinelands.

"We would like for the committee to hear directly from these experts," the commenter said, adding that their memorandum included eight recommended experts with hands‑on experience in synthetic and natural turf systems. The commenter argued that properly designed and professionally managed natural grass fields can be more economical and environmentally sound than full artificial systems.

The public commenter flagged risks to the Kirkwood‑Cohansey sole‑source aquifer, noting the basin’s shallow depth, sandy soils and direct surface‑to‑groundwater interaction. "Microplastics do not biodegrade. They simply migrate, accumulate, and remain in soils and waterways indefinitely," the commenter said, urging the commission to weigh those long‑term risks.

The commenter also proposed exploring hybrid systems that use a small percentage of synthetic material (3–5 percent of a full artificial turf field) and stressed that many perceived benefits of artificial turf derive from improved drainage systems that can also be used beneath natural grass fields.

Several commissioners endorsed the idea of a seminar or expert briefing comparing artificial and natural turf systems and agreed further examination would be useful before any policy change.

No formal action was taken; commissioners said staff would follow up and that a seminar could be scheduled.