SOMERS POINT — City Council has adopted regulations aimed at reducing the amount of dust and plastic contaminants generated at work sites.
John Helbig, chairman of the Somers Point Environmental Commission and Green Team, thanked City Council for bringing the measure forward.
“I did poll our Environmental Commission members on this and it was unanimously supported by our Environmental Commission and our Green Team,” he said. “This is an ordinance that has also been recommended to be passed by both the Great Egg Harbor Watershed Association as well as the New Jersey League of Municipalities.”
Helbig said there are about 25 communities in New Jersey that have passed a similar ordinance.
“So Somer’s Point joins a lengthening list of communities that are trying to control microplastics in their community. I think it’s going to be an issue that is going to have a lot more relevance in the future given the amount of this material that’s currently utilized and the scope of construction that we’ve got going on and are going to have going on in the city,” he said.
Kim O’Brien, president of the Somers Point Democratic Club and a candidate for City Council in the November election, also thanked the governing body for passing the measure. She noted she is leader of the Green Team for the Somers Point School District, where she is a teacher.
Ordinance 15-2026 amends Chapter 169, Littering and Property Maintenance, of the city code. It adds the section “Control of dust and plastic contaminants.”
“The discharge of microplastic particles and dust into the environment creates danger and risk to the environment, including but not limited to inland and coastal waters, and requires reasonable regulation with the use of technology that is currently available,” it states.
“Plastics and composite materials do not decompose, and over time would break down to smaller and smaller particles. Microplastic pollution disrupts ecosystems and can cause endocrine, digestive and respiratory issues in animals including humans,” according to the ordinance.
City Council has determined that contractors and homeowners must minimize the release of dust, trash, debris, plastics and other contaminants from worksites.
Those working with wood, fiberglass, brick, concrete and plastics must use dust-control measures.
A vacuum attachment must be attached to saws “when practical” to minimize the release of dust and microplastic particles when cutting or drilling AZEK, TREX and any materials containing plastics, pavers or wood treated with chemical contaminants.
All cutting and drilling must be done in confined spaces to reduce dust levels and ease cleanup. The confined spaces should include tents to enclose the worksites or hoods made specifically for saws.
Those cutting bricks, pavers or concrete are required to use wet saws and also work in confined spaces to keep dust levels to a minimum.
The ordinance further requires a tarp be placed beneath the work area to catch debris and contractors to clean up all litter, trash, debris and waste, including dust and particles resulting from the cutting or sanding. Debris may not be blown into storm drains.
The ordinance sets a $150 fine for a first offense, $300 for a second offense, $500 for a third offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff