No Balloon Releases in EHC

EGG HARBOR CITY — City Council passed an ordinance prohibiting the release of helium-filled balloons at its meeting March 8.

The ordinance states it is designed to protect the environment, particularly wildlife, and the health, safety and well-being of people and property.

It also says it shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to intentionally release, organize the release of or intentionally cause to be released balloons inflated with a gas that is lighter than air within the city limits except for a balloon released by a person on behalf of a governmental agency or pursuant to a governmental contract for scientific or meteorological purpose, hot air balloons that are recovered after launch and balloons released indoors.

Nanette LoBiondo Galloway, chairwoman of Sustainable Egg Harbor City, said her group will conduct an educational campaign to inform residents of the new law.

“We’ll start in the schools, educating students about the dangers of releasing helium balloons, and contact local businesses that sell balloons to inform purchasers they should not release balloons into the atmosphere," she said. "We will also contact churches and catering halls informing them that the ordinance prohibits the mass release of balloons at weddings, memorial services and community events, and provide them with alternatives, such as blowing bubbles, planting a tree or distributing small plants that provide nectar for birds and bees.”

Entire article at
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/press/atlantic/egg-harbor-city-council-passes-ordinance-banning-balloon-releases/article_66af4b57-7123-524d-a412-441a9e473c51.html