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New Jersey State League of Municipalities Conference Resolution No. 2025-XX
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF LOCAL ORDINANCES AND A STATE LAW TO PREVENT “INSTANT MICROPLASTICS” AND OTHER MICRO-CONTAMINANTS FROM ESCAPING CONTRACTOR WORKSITES IN NEW JERSEY
WHEREAS, it is import to maintain clean and safe worksites to protect public health and the environment; and
WHEREAS, it is imperative that contractors take measures to minimize the release of dust and plastic contaminants from their worksites, thereby preventing harm to the environment and the community; and
WHEREAS, current construction code guidelines do not define best practices for contractors to follow; and
WHEREAS, dust, trash and plastic contaminants control requirements are needed so contractors working shall by law adhere to the following guidelines to control dust, trash and plastic contaminants at their worksites; and
WHEREAS, simple and low cost measures such as tent enclosures, saw hoods and vacuums are readily available and effective in collecting most microparticles from outdoors sawing activity they should be a required component of any legislative control measure; and
WHEREAS, contractors shall tarp their work areas and clean the area a minimum of once a day to prevent the dispersion of dust and plastic contaminants as well as cleaning up all wood and plastic contaminants before leaving their worksites, ensuring that no waste is left behind nor can be blown into neighboring properties or public spaces such as the street; and
WHEREAS, contractors are strictly prohibited from blowing debris, dust or plastic contaminants into storm drains or grounds that could lead to their dispersal into storm drains. All contractors must dispose of waste materials properly in accordance with existing State and Municipal waste disposal regulations; and
WHEREAS, contractors must separate waste and recyclable materials, such as cardboard, and dispose of in accordance with current State and Municipal laws, rules and ordinances; and
WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey through its Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and each municipality through personnel such as Construction Officials may conduct inspections of worksites to ensure compliance; and
WHEREAS, any person who violates, fails or refuses to comply with this law or ordinance or any part or section thereof, shall, upon conviction in any Municipal Court, be punished for each offense by a fine not to exceed $1,000 or by imprisonment for any term not exceeding 90 days, or both. Every such violation or refusal shall be deemed a separate violation, and each day that the same shall continue shall be deemed a separate violation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, in conference assembled, calls on the Legislature to enact legislation to prevent to transmission of microplastics and permits municipalities to enact ordinances and fines; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to, the President of the New Jersey State Senate, the Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly, all members of the New Jersey State Legislature, the Governor of the State of New Jersey, and the Governor- Elect of the State of New Jersey.
Sponsors:
Hon. Michael Collins
Mayor, Margate City
Margate City received the 2024 Creativity and Innovation Award from Sustainable Jersey. This annual award recognizes forward-thinking municipalities that support a culture of creativity and innovation as they implement new approaches to solving problems.
Margate City created standards to contain harmful construction dust and pollutants which are released into the air, soil, and down storm drains. The green team, Sustainable Margate, provides education and outreach to state and local leaders, and green teams across New Jersey, establishing a true movement to improve public health and the quality of our air, soil and waterways.
“I am very proud of the Sustainable Margate Team for their constant efforts in helping to improve the quality of life in Margate and beyond. To receive the Sustainable Jersey Creativity and Innovation Award is an honor and shows they are focused on a better tomorrow for all of us.” – The Honorable Michael Collins, Mayor, City of Margate
“It is an honor to take time to recognize Margate City and the work they are doing to create a healthy environment for all,” said Randall Solomon, director of Sustainable Jersey. “They have demonstrated their relentless commitment to creating a more sustainable future. We will continue to provide the tools, training and financial incentives they need to make progress.”