BURRILLVILLE, R.I. (WPRI) — The Burrillville School Committee provided an update Tuesday night on the artificial turf field being installed at the high school.
Despite pushback from residents, the committee confirmed that construction on the artificial turf field is well underway.
Adam Schatz told 12 News he’s disappointed that the town moved forward with the turf field. Schatz and other residents are concerned that the artificial turf field contains PFAS, which is a chemical that’s been linked to serious health problems.
The residents are concerned that the PFAS could seep into their drinking water and have negative environmental impacts.
“This is a danger in not just our community but everywhere,” Schatz said.
RELATED: Burrillville residents speak out against proposed artificial turf field
Schatz and other residents hosted an informational gathering Tuesday with a panel of environmental experts.
“Chemical hazards escape from turf fields because they’re soluble in water,” said Susan Chapnick, a principal scientist for New Environmental Horizons. “When these fields are rained on or there’s snow, they can wash off into the storm water discharge.”