Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

At the Martha’s Vineyard Commission meeting on March 4, toxicology was the focus. The MVC hired Horsley-Witten, an environmental firm, to inspect the products used in the proposed turf field, the carpet, the underlying shock pad, and various glues used to build the field. Horsley–Witten subcontracted the testing to a well respected laboratory, TetraTech. Both Horsley-Witten and TetraTech concluded that the synthetic turf field was safe for our student athletes to come into contact with and the products tested cleaner for the environment that the existing grass fields at the high school.

The applicant’s expert, Dr Laura Green, also addressed the test results. Dr Green received her decorate from MIT, is a board certified toxicologist who has been hired as an expert by both the federal EPA and the Massachusetts EPA.

Dr. Green’s presentation addressed the results and concurred with the MVC experts that the proposed turf field was safe and environmentally clean. The opponents of the proposed project presented their expert, Kristen Mello. She presented no facts to the MVC in her argument against the project, but rather listed a number or irrational fears of what could happen, or what if we don’t know or what if we find out in the future.

The real question before the MVC is simple: do we listen to the facts concerning the project or will we be swayed by unsubstantial fears.

The findings of TetraTech’s analysis can be found on the MVC website (https://www.mvcommission.org/sites/default/files/docs/2021-02-26%20%28Tu...).

Please look at the facts, our kids deserve a safe healthy field.

Terry Donahue

Edgartown