UBLA provided permitting services for the renovation of an existing natural grass athletic field, located within 100-ft of wetland resource areas. The proposed Project includes the replacement of the existing natural grass multi-purpose athletic field with an infilled synthetic turf field. As illustrated by the photographs, the existing field area is too highly utilized to properly maintain natural grass, and is prone to stormwater runoff and wind-borne erosion. The dimensions of the existing natural grass multi-purpose athletic field do not allow for the area requirements of a multi-purpose athletic field. Additional area is required to meet the sport and safety needs of the various age levels of the students, and to meet the school’s programmatic requirements.
The Applicant proposes to replace the existing natural grass athletic field with a full-sized synthetic turf field. Creation of the synthetic turf field will result in the reduction of mowing and watering, and use of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides on this portion of the campus.