TINTON FALLS – Borough officials have banned the intentional release of balloons that are filled with lighter than air gases.
During a Sept. 4 meeting of the Tinton Falls Borough Council, members of the governing body voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance that prohibits the deliberate release of balloons filled with lighter than air gases into the atmosphere.
Business Administrator Mike Skudera said the ordinance generally discourages “the mass release” of balloons for recreational purposes.
Skudera said balloons released for meteorological purposes, a hot air balloon that is touching down after its launch and the release of a balloon indoors are not prohibited by the new municipal law.
According to the ordinance, “balloons inflated with lighter than air gases pose a danger and nuisance to the environment, particularly to wildlife and marine animals that are attracted to bright colors, and therefore, mistake them for food, which can cause severe injury, entanglement from balloon strings, and even death.
“Several municipalities in the state, particularly in coastal communities or near coastal communities, have prohibited the intentional release of balloons. (Specifically), Mylar balloons contain conductive material that can damage power lines and electrical equipment …” the ordinance states.
The intentional release of multiple balloons that become airborne will be considered a single offense, according to the ordinance.
