Longport Introduces Ban On Release Of Helium Balloons

The Board of Commissioners introduced an ordinance Wednesday, Oct. 19 similar to one passed in Margate last year that bans the release of helium balloons. Officials said the ban will help protect the environment and sea life. When balloons are released into the atmosphere they eventually burst and fall to the earth, often onto the beach and into the ocean, where sea turtles and other marine life mistake them for food and eat them. With rubber in the digestive tract, the animals are unable to take in more nutrients and they eventually die from starvation. String attached to balloons is an additional hazard, as animals can choke on or become entangled it. “We all agree that we don’t want balloons released into the environment,” Mayor Nicholas Russo said. In December 2015, Margate passed an ordinance 2-1 banning the mass release of helium and mylar balloons At a public hearing on the ordinance, a representative of the Balloon Council of Trenton suggested that an educational campaign is all that is needed to prevent balloons from becoming litter. The Ventnor Board of Commissioners is also considering an ordinance suggested by the city Green Team to ban helium balloon releases. The issue was discussed at the commissioners’ Oct. 13 workshop meeting. According to Commissioner Lance Landgraf, more information will be presented in November. “We want to promote a healthier environment,” he said. The Longport ordinance prohibits the release of latex and Mylar balloons inflated with helium with the exception of those used for scientific purposes, hot air balloons recovered after launch, and those released indoors. Under the measure violators could be subject to a fine of up to $500.
A public hearing will be held 1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18 at Longport Borough Hall.

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