City Targets Balloon Releases

CAPE MAY – The City Council of Cape May introduced an ordinance June 5 that regulates the release of helium balloons. 
With that action the city is joining other shore towns in New Jersey that recognize the danger such balloons pose to the environment, especially to marine life. 
Citing the “substantial environmental risks” helium balloons pose, the ordinance sets a fine of up to $500 for any “person, firm or corporation” that intentionally releases such balloons into the air.
Cape May is responding to calls from environmental advocates that have urged New Jersey towns to ban the popular practice of releasing helium balloons into the air, sometimes in large numbers as a part of a celebration.
Advocates argue that the balloons are then blown along the beach or out to sea where they often end up in the stomachs of marine animals or having their strings get tangled around the bodies of wildlife.
The argument, which towns are accepting, is that the dangers posed by the balloons far outweigh the momentary pleasures gained from their release.
City Solicitor Frank Corrado even joked at the meeting that he “stole” the ordinance from Margate which already banned the practice as does its neighboring communities of Ventnor and Longport.
The ordinance makes exceptions for balloons released by government agencies as part of scientific inquiries, hot air balloons that come back to earth quickly after release and indoor release.
Helium balloons are a common site at the shore where they have been part of children’s birthday parties, real estate agents’ open house signs, and wedding celebrations.
One critic expressed concern that this will be just another ordinance on the books that will not be enforced. “Does it matter what they do?” he questioned.
Part of the value of the ordinance is the public awareness it helps to spread about the environmental dangers the balloons pose. Greater awareness of the dangers may be one of the deterrents.
The ordinance will be up for second reading and a public hearing at the first council meeting in July.
The City Clerk’s Office said that meeting has been moved from its regular time and will be held July 5 at 1 p.m.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.