AVALON – The borough is planning to take action on one aspect of microplastic pollution of Avalon waterways and wetlands: those microplastics that are an unwelcome consequence of home construction.

Business Administrator Scott Wahl opened a discussion with the Borough Council at its Nov. 18 meeting on how to address public concerns over the dangers of microplastics, which are generated in numerous ways.

The discussion was to gauge interest in the development of amendments to the borough’s construction ordinances specifically dealing with the dust and debris that come from the open-air cutting of materials like Azek or Trex.

Council members expressed support for the development of such an ordinance amendment.

The ordinance draft will address restrictions on the cutting of plastic materials used in construction, possibly including requiring bags, an enclosed space for cutting and a cleanup of materials each day before the site is closed down.

Given the strong support exhibited by the council, Wahl said the administration would seek to have a draft ordinance amendment ready for review at a December or early January council meeting.

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