AVALON – The borough is taking steps aimed at protecting its residents and environment in the face of large-scale construction on Seven Mile Island.

The Borough Council on Jan. 22 unanimously introduced two ordinances, one setting rules for how and where plastic-cutting can be done, in order to reduce the likelihood of pollutants from microplastic debris, the other regulating the transportation of debris by vehicle through town streets.

The volume of annual demolition and construction on the island lends added importance to the two ordinances. While the first ordinance on microplastics pertains solely to Avalon construction activity, the second covers transportation along Avalon streets regardless of the point of origin or the debris being carried.

The ordinance on microplastics outlines the problem plastic particles present when they enter the wetlands or the water supply. It also discusses the health issues involved in human exposure to such particles in the air. The laying-out of factual findings based on scientific studies gives a sense of the urgency behind the regulations.

The ordinance sets rules to control, “to the greatest extent possible,” airborne particles caused by the cutting or sanding of construction materials including fiberglass, plastics, microplastics and derivatives. It goes on to detail where and how such cutting or sanding may occur, the tools that can be used, and how debris is to be disposed of. The borough’s goal is to have the ordinance in effect by April 1.

The second ordinance sets rules that must be followed regardless of the point of origin of the dumpster or debris. Weight limits on the 97th Street bridge in Stone Harbor have meant that construction debris from Stone Harbor must traverse Avalon to exit Seven Mile Island via the Avalon Boulevard bridge.

The ordinance establishes the need for a secure cover, defined in the document, over the debris. The goal is to prevent “spillage of debris, material, trash, or other material.” The ordinance also sets rules for the location of dumpsters at construction sites. The borough’s goal is to have the ordinance effective by June 1, providing added preparation time for contractors.

Both ordinances are scheduled to have public hearings at the council meeting on Feb. 26. Following the hearings there could be a vote to adopt them.

Contact the reporter, Vince Conti, at vconti@cmcherald.com.