By Catherine Wilde
Staff Writer | June 17 2008

Northern Valley Regional High School district can safely proceed with graduation on its artificial turf fields, according to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS).

The fields, which tested positive for lead in their green pigment, later revealed safe levels of lead in the fields’ dust and the soil below the fields. The fields are still closed for athletic events but in light of the upcoming graduations the district approached the state department for guidance regarding non-athletic use of the fields.

"Based on currently available data and the graduation activities you have described, NJDHSS believes that holding graduation ceremonies on the two artificial turf fields would not pose a health hazard," read a statement from James Brownlee, director of Consumer & Environmental Health Services.

In the meantime, a district press release states that education leaders are working on re-opening the fields for athletic events.

"At this time the district plans to review information with its environmental insurance carrier, environmental consultant, epidemiologist, state agencies and the turf field representatives to validate the criteria that would allow the district to re-open the fields," the press release said.

Old Tappan’s commencement ceremonies will be held Friday at 5 p.m. Demarest’s graduation will be Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

E-mail: wilde@northjersey.com or call 201-894-6706