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Environmental Board <br />August 30, 2023 <br />Page 4 <br /> <br />DRAFT MINUTES <br /> <br />Mr. Johnson stated that the turf and underlying soil is permeable due to the gravel that is <br />set down underneath the turf. Ms. Cavegn clarified that there would still be less soil <br />stabilization than roots would provide. <br /> <br />Chair Sullivan asked if water gets through during rain, Mr. Johnson replied yes water <br />passes through 30 inches per hour. <br /> <br />Chair Sullivan also asked if children can play on this during a hot day. Mr. Johnson <br />explained that yes but turf does get hot but he has not received any complaints, and <br />would suggest installing it in a shady area. <br /> <br />John Lipinski, the homeowner, clarified that he wanted the turf in order to use less water <br />due to the manganese levels. He also explained that 55 gallons of water per square foot <br />per year is used by sod/grass, therefore he wanted turf as a water conservation measure. <br /> <br />Mr. Lipinski described the difficulties he had had with trying to grow grass over the poor <br />quality soil that was placed during the construction process. <br /> <br />Ms. Cavegn stated that as the Environmental Board they are looking for the most <br />environmentally friendly option. She also stated many concerns about the product being <br />made from plastic and technology created from soybean plants has similar effects to <br />accelerated petroleum production. She also expressed concerns about the plastic particles <br />in the water runoff, as well as concerns about the microbiome of the soil because there <br />will be no life there. <br /> <br />Mr. Nelson pointed out that if this is approved then it will be allowed everywhere unless <br />it is restricted in ordinance to specific areas or specified portions of a lot. Mr. Nelson <br />clarified that staff would not recommend this to be used wide spread, but it could work in <br />a small area. <br /> <br />Mr. Parsons agreed with the use of it for a dog park area, or a high traffic medium, but <br />does not agree with front yards. <br /> <br />Ms. Buchmeier asked for clarification about how there are other places in Minnesota use <br />turf, but no cities have ordinances that allow it. <br /> <br />Mr. Johnson replied that some cities still allow it because it is permeable, and said that <br />some cities do not have any rules regarding turf so they allow it. <br /> <br />Chair Sullivan clarified that there is not a way to recycle the turf at least in MN. Mr. <br />Johnson agreed, but they ship it out to other states that recycle it. <br /> <br />Ms. Buchmeier asked how long does the turf last once it is installed. Mr. Johnson replied <br />they have a standard of 8-year warranty, but the lifespan is about 15-20 years. <br />Chair Sullivan recommended no, but is okay in certain locations like spots that grass <br />never grows, but not a whole lawn.