Longport's Board of Commissioners introduced an ordinance Wednesday that would ensure building worksites are clean and safe, protecting the fragile marine ecosystem.
With the proliferation of building upgraded housing to accommodate new flood regulations, much of the exterior materials used to build homes at the shore are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and contain plastic.
Ordinance 2024-16 is titled Construction, General Requirements to Promote Clean and Safe Worksites within the Borough of Longport.
A new ordinance was required because there is currently no laws on the books requiring builders to take steps to prevent plastic pollution, borough Solicitor Michael Affanato said. .
The ordinance, modeled after a sample ordinance being suggested to municipalities by the Sustainable Downbeach movement that works to protect the environment, requires building contractors to minimize the release of microplastics, dust, trash, debris and other contaminants at worksites.
Plastic particles do not decompose and can enter the food chain causing endocrine, digestive and respiratory issues in animals, marine life and humans. When plastic particles enter the ecosystem through storm drains, they eventually wind up in the bay and ocean, are are consumed by fish, and then the fish are eaten by humans. Dogs, cats and rabbits may also sniff or eat microplastics left on the ground.
Commissioner Jim Leeds said he believes it is “a good ordinance” that needs to be enforced.
Margate passed a similar regulation by resolution on March 7.
Sustainable Margate Chairman Steve Jasecki said environmental attorneys at Clean Ocean Action helped to draft a comprehensive sample ordinance that can be replicated in other communities.
“The ordinance is about building awareness in a world which is being inundated with products that appear to be harmless but can cause serious harm for our future generations,” he said in March.
Contractors will be required to keep worksites clean. When cutting or drilling certain lumber products, such as TREX or AZEK or chemically treated wood lumber, contractors will be required to use vacuum attachments on saws, cut lumber in confined spaces, such as a tent or hood, use a tarp under saws, and properly dispose of debris in trash or recycling. Contractors shall clean up all wood and plastic contaminants before leaving the worksite and leave no waste behind. The ordinance requires contractors to dispose of all waste according to borough and state laws.
Contractors will be notified of the new regulation when they receive a building permit for new construction or remodeling projects. Borough officials will inspect worksites to ensure compliance, and issue violations if necessary. The fine for violations is not to exceed $1,000 or 90 days in jail. Every violation will be considered a separate offense.
Contractors will be responsible for informing all subcontractors of the regulation.
A public hearing on the ordinance will be held 4 p.m. July 17 at Borough Hall.
Microplastic shards litter the sidewalks and streets in Margate.
