Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of 3G sports pitches on the environment.

Concerns about environmental impacts of Third Generation (3G) synthetic surfaces regarding runoff to watercourses and into groundwater have been previously raised with the Environment Agency however there is currently limited evidence to substantiate these concerns.

3G synthetic surfaces often contain rubber crumb. This rubber crumb may be derived from waste materials, which can be permitted as a non-waste product under the Quality Protocol for Tyre Derived Rubber Material. Quality protocols seek to ensure recycled materials are handled correctly to be used with minimised environmental impacts. The Environment Agency is conducting a routine review of this Quality Protocol to ensure it reflects current uses in products, remains fit for purpose and takes account of the latest available evidence.