Photos by STEVE JASIECKI/Photos of microplastics pollution were taken Sunday, Dec. 17 before a major nor’easter washed much of it into the storm drains.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
MARGATE – A serious issue that has come to the forefront through the volunteer efforts of local environmental advocates was discussed at length during the Dec. 21 Board of Commissioners meeting.
Concern about the proliferation of microplastics from building construction projects prompted the Sustainable Margate green team to request the city adopt an ordinance that educates contractors about the need to cleanup jobsites to prevent microplastics from spreading to the storm drains and eventually into the sea.
Microplastic shards litter the sidewalks and streets in Margate.
Solicitor John Scott Abbott strongly recommended the city adopt an ordinance that creates awareness of the problem and requires contractors to take preventive measures when using plastic building materials, including Trex and Azek decking.
“I urge you to introduce the ordinance and move it forward,” Abbott told the board.
Abbott said green team volunteer Sherry Lillienfeld wrote the initial draft of the ordinance, which was reviewed and tweaked after discussing it with department heads.
Abbott said he walked the beach after the most recent storm and collected 35 white plastic bottle caps within a one-block area.
“Plastics are everywhere,” he said. “It’s a real problem in our society today.”
A construction worker uses a saw to cut plastic building materials.
He said the ordinance would only be a “pinprick” into the massive plastics pollution problem, but it would help educate contractors and the public about the dangers of microplastics, which get into the food chain.
“It’s a more serious problem than sea level rise,” he said. “It has permeated everywhere over the last 50 years.”
Commissioner Maury Blumberg cautioned the committee to refrain from adopting an ordinance that may not be enforced.
“There has to be a plan for enforcement. It’s embarrassing if we don’t,” he said.
Zoning Officer Roger McLarnon, Administrator Ken Mosca and Commissioner Cathy Horn each agreed the ordinance should create awareness of the problem.
“We need to let (contractors) understand they have to deal with their waste,” Abbott said.
Fines for violations would be $1,000 or up to 90 days in jail, according to the sentencing judge’s discretion. Adding warnings, or tiers of fines, would only make enforcement more difficult, Abbott said.
Using a tarp can prevent some microplastics pollution.
Police Chief Matthew Hankinson said enforcing ordinances can often be difficult, but if the city takes a “hard stance” in the beginning, the ordinance would be more effective.
“We need teeth, warnings only go a short way,” he said.
Mayor Michael Collins said contractors should be noticed about their responsibility to keep jobsites clean when they first apply for permits.
“All department heads should review this before it moves forward,” he said.
Building Inspector Jim Galantino said all departments need to be involved for the ordinance to be effective.
During public comment, resident Steve Altman said he has seen news reports that microplastics can cause respiratory problems and cancer, and that there are collection devices that can be attached to saws to collect the particles so they can be property disposed.
Sustainable Margate Chairman Steve Jasiecki said the green team prepared a flyer in both English and Spanish that can be distributed to contractors when they apply for a permit.
He said since Downbeach.com published a story about the ordinance, other municipalities have been contacting him to replicate the ordinance in their communities.
He presented photos of job sites taken over the last several days showing mounds of microplastic shards littering sidewalks. An easy solution to the spread of dangerous particles could be accomplished by simply putting down a tarp so the refuse can be easily picked up.
“When you see what it looks like, you notice it all over the place,” he said.
Lillienfeld said she is willing to attend a meeting of department heads to discuss ways to enforce the ordinance.
She also suggested the city create lawn signs that can be placed at job sites asking, “How’s my jobsite?” like you see on the back of trucks that say, “How’s my driving?” with a phone number that neighbors can call if they see contractors not adhering to the law.
“I’m all about solutions to problems,” she said, “and it’s a lot easier to clean up jobsites to prevent it.”
It is likely the ordinance will be introduced at the first meeting in January.
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