City says it provided all relevant records, but the production does not appear to include documentation needed to verify compliance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2026
ITHACA, NY — Zero Waste Ithaca is calling on the City of Ithaca and Cornell University to release the product identification and PFAS testing records for the two synthetic turf fields installed at Cornell’s Meinig Fieldhouse.
The City Planning Board’s September 26, 2024 approval required Cornell to submit details for the indoor and outdoor artificial turf fields, including the performance shock pad, infill, and blades. A separate condition required third-party PFAS testing of the artificial turf carpet before it left the manufacturer, with the results submitted to Planning staff.
An October 11, 2025 Freedom of Information Law request sought the PFAS test results and testing methods, records identifying the turf manufacturer, brand, and model, and Cornell or contractor documents concerning PFAS content or testing.
In a July 28, 2026 response, the City stated that it had provided “all relevant documents” it maintains concerning the project and had “no further obligations” under the request.
However, the records provided still do not appear to include final product identification for both installed fields, the PFAS testing method, the laboratory report, sample identification, chain-of-custody documentation, or clear identification of the material tested.
“If the City has these records, it should release them,” Emily Jernigan, Zero Waste Ithaca’s Operations Coordinator, said in a written statement. “If it does not possess them, it should say so clearly and explain how compliance with the Planning Board’s conditions was verified.”
Zero Waste Ithaca is asking the City and Cornell to release the complete product and component information for both fields, the testing methods and laboratory results submitted to Planning staff, identification of the samples and materials tested, and related Cornell or contractor submittals.
The organization challenged the Planning Board’s environmental review and approval of the Meinig Fieldhouse project in an Article 78 proceeding, which is now on appeal. The public-records issue is a separate matter.
PFAS testing was presented as a condition of approval. The public should be able to examine the documentation needed to determine what was tested and whether that condition was fulfilled.
Zero Waste Ithaca’s complete report, including photographs and supporting documents, is available at:
About Zero Waste Ithaca
Zero Waste Ithaca is a grassroots nonprofit organization advocating for waste prevention, reuse, environmental health, and accountable public decision-making in Ithaca, Tompkins County and beyond.
Media contact:
Zero Waste Ithaca
info [at] zerowasteithaca [dot] org