The artificial turf pitch of the Eichenau sports center is 13 years old and needs to be renewed.
But the sports clubs still have to be patient.
The planning costs are too high for the council members.
And then there is also the problem with the plastic.
Eichenau
- According to experts, microplastics are harmful to the environment.
That is why artificial turf pitches have come into focus.
The plastic granules that are used here as a topping should even be banned (see box).
The European Union (EU) intends to issue a recommendation by the end of the year at the earliest.
In Eichenau, people want to be patient before deciding on a new artificial turf pitch.
The local council decided that with a large majority.
A commission made up of representatives from the building administration, municipal council and FC Eichenau is to be formed to advise on how to proceed.
One thing is certain: it cannot stay that way in the long run, there is no doubt about that.
"The synthetic turf is clearly played," says an expert opinion.
The fact that it can still be used at all is due to the regular maintenance.
The FCE, which primarily plays on the course, also contributed by doing without heavy equipment, for example when clearing snow.
High planning costs
Depending on the design, the costs are between 275,000 and 570,000 euros.
What pissed off the local councils, however, are the planning costs, which could amount to up to 60,000 euros.
“Why do we need a planner?” Asked Peter Zeiler (CSU).
There are recommendations from the Bavarian Football Association that could be used as a guide.
There are technically well-trained clerks there.
The SPD parliamentary group leader Martin Eberl even described the planning costs as steep.
He recommended finding out how to proceed with artificial turf from neighboring municipalities.
In view of the budgetary situation burdened by Corona, Eberl also spoke out in favor of “really downplaying the current lawn”.
Vice-Mayor Josef Spiess (CSU) replied that the FCE needed planning security.
But the association must also be active.
He knows that from the fire brigade: “If you need a new vehicle, a team is formed to determine what is needed.
That saves a lot of money. ”The FCE has to make an announcement as to what's going on.
Tender required
The administration pointed out, however, that construction projects of this size would have to be put out to tender.
In the town hall, the planning effort for it could hardly be afforded, explained Susanne Bierl from the building authority.
"The task also requires specialist knowledge and experience with regard to technical properties and properties necessary for sports operations."
The artificial turf facility was put into operation in 2008.
At first there were concerns.
But they vanished.
On the contrary: Simon Skafar, coach at the time, emphasized the low risk of injury.
Even Sepp Dürr, a former member of the Green Parliament from Germering, said: "Artificial turf is the best thing after turf."
Two years ago, however, environmental officer Marion Behr (Greens) asked how high the proportion of environmentally harmful microplastics is.
Researchers had found that sports fields with plastic granules are the third largest source of microplastics in the environment.
These are the smallest particles that stick to shoes and clothing and can get into streams.
The tiny grains can also be carried on by the wind.
There could be a ban
The European Chemical Agency ECHA recommends that the European Union ban plastic granules as infill material for artificial turf pitches.
There should be a six-year transition period.
Thereafter, however, existing courses should be protected and they can continue to be used.
That is in the spirit of the German Football Association.
This refers to the fact that artificial turf makes you less dependent on the weather.
Other experts explain that one artificial turf pitch can replace up to three natural grass pitches.
This offers the opportunity to create compensation areas.
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