[Amended 5-6-2024 ATM by Art. 21]
A.
Purpose. The purpose of adopting this By-Law is to protect Lake Massapoag, and the town's wetlands, rivers, streams, ponds, groundwater, drinking water, soil, fish and wildlife, as well as human health. Petroleum-based artificial turf has known environmental and health hazards. Artificial turf contains toxic chemicals, including flame retardants, phthalates, and PFAS. PFAS are a particular health threat, as they are highly persistent "forever chemicals" that never fully degrade, accumulate in our bodies, and adversely impact human health even at low levels of exposure. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, and may be responsible for declining sperm rates in men (on track to be zero by about 2045). Plastic grass blades break off artificial turf and are blown by the wind to surrounding areas where they break down into microplastic and nanoplastic which do not fully degrade, and also accumulate in our environment and in our bodies, including neurons, where nanoplastics may increase the risk of Parkinson's disease. Artificial turf could contaminate surface water, ground water, soil and further pollute drinking water in the Town of Sharon by leaching PFAS, phthalates and other chemicals and dispersing micro- and nanoplastics.
B. ARTIFICIAL TURF PFAS
Definitions.
Shall mean any grass turf carpet composed of petroleum-based plastic, whether or not the plastic turf contains PFAS and/or PFAS processing aids.
Shall mean a class of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances.
C.
Regulated conduct. The Town of Sharon shall not install artificial turf on any land, of any size, owned by the town, for a period of five years from the effective date of the moratorium.
D.
Exemptions. Synthetic turf grass carpets made of plant-based bioplastic which is entirely recyclable, biodegradable or compostable, and is certified to be free of intentionally added PFAS.
E.
Effective dates. This By-Law shall take effect after approval of the By-Laws by the Massachusetts Attorney General and posting by the Town of Sharon.