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Notice of Public Hearing- Ordinance 15 of 2026

City of Somers Point

Notice of Public Hearing

Ordinance No. 15 of 2026

Notice is hereby given that the foregoing ordinance was introduced and passed first reading at a regular City Council meeting of 6/25/2026 and said ordinance will be further considered for final passage and adoption after a public hearing to be held on 7/9/2026 at 7:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 1 West New Jersey Avenue, Somers Point, NJ 08244. Free copies may be obtained at the City Clerk’s Office, 1 West New Jersey Avenue, Somers Point, NJ, Mon.-Fri, 9am-5pm.

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING CHAPTER 169, “LITTERING AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE,” ARTICLE I, “GENERAL PROVISIONS”, TO ADD SECTION 169-11.1 ENTITLED “CONTROL OF DUST AND PLASTIC CONTAMINANTS” TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF SOMERS POINT

WHEREAS the discharge of microplastic particles and dust into the environment creates danger and risk to the environment including, but not limited to inland and coastal waters, and requires reasonable regulation with the use of technology that is currently available and such regulation will promote the public health, safety, and welfare; and

WHEREAS plastics and composite materials do not decompose, and over time would break down to smaller and smaller particles; and

WHEREAS Microplastic pollution disrupts ecosystems and can cause endocrine, digestive, and respiratory issues in animals including humans; and

WHEREAS the Somers Point City Council determines that it is imperative for contractors and homeowners to take measures to minimize the release of dust, trash, debris, plastics, and other contaminants from worksites thereby reducing pollution and preventing harm to the environment and to the community.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Somers Point, County of Atlantic, State of New Jersey, as follows:

SECTION 1.

Chapter 169, “Littering and Property Maintenance,” Article I, General Provisions, Section 169-11, entitled “Construction Debris,” is hereby amended to add a new Section 169-11.1 entitled “Control of Dust and Plastic Contaminants”.

§ 169-11.1 Control of Dust and Plastic Contaminants

DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this Section, the following definitions apply:

CONTRACTOR - Refers to any individual or entity engaged in construction, renovation, or maintenance of commercial or residential properties within the City of Somers Point.

HOMEOWNER - Refers to any individual or entity engaged in construction, renovation, or maintenance to commercial or residential properties within the City of Somers Point without engaging the services of a Contractor.

WORKSITES - Shall include all outdoor and indoor worksites within the jurisdiction of the City of Somers Point where construction, renovation, or related activities are taking place.

DUST, TRASH, DEBRIS AND PLASTIC CONTROL

Contractors and homeowners engaged in construction, renovation, or maintenance of commercial or residential properties within the City of Somers Point shall do all of the following to control dust, trash, and plastic contaminants at their worksites:

All construction related activities shall employ effective dust control measures to prevent the emission of sawdust, sanding dust, fiberglass dust, brick, paver, and concrete dust, micro-plastics, and any other particulate matter.
When cutting or drilling AZEK, TREX, any materials containing plastics, pavers, or wood treated with chemical contaminants, contractors / homeowners shall use a vacuum attachment on all saws when practical to minimize the release of dust and micro plastic particles.
Contractors /homeowners shall cut and drill in confined spaces to keep dust levels to a minimum and facilitate ease of cleanup and prevent release of debris. These confined spaces should include tents to enclose the worksites or hoods made specifically for saws.
Contractors/ homeowners shall cut and drill pavers, bricks, and concrete with wet saws and in confined spaces to keep dust levels to a minimum and facilitate ease of cleanup and prevent release of debris. These confined spaces should include tents to enclose the worksites.
Contractors / homeowners shall not engage in cutting or drilling activities without placing a tarp under power tools to catch debris and contaminants.
Contractors / homeowners shall tarp their work areas and clean up all litter, trash, debris, waste, including dust and particles resulting from the cutting or sanding of construction materials and other construction materials intended to be discarded and shall be deposited into a dumpster at the end of the workday (and more frequently, if required) and completely and adequately covered and secured to ensure no waste is left behind or can be blown into areas beyond the worksite and/or property..
PROHIBITION ON STORM DRAIN DISPOSAL

Contractors / homeowners are prohibited from blowing debris, dust, or plastic contaminants into storm drains. All contractors must dispose of waste materials properly in accordance with existing municipal, state, and federal waste disposal regulations.

DISPOSAL OF WASTE AND RECYCLABLE MATERIALS

Contractors/ homeowners must separate waste and recyclable materials, such as cardboard, and dispose of it in accordance with all City ordinances and State laws.

COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT

1. The City of Somers Point may conduct inspections of worksites to ensure compliance with this Ordinance. Any person who violates, fails or refuses to comply with this section or any part hereof, shall, upon conviction in the Municipal Court of City of Somers Point be punished as follows: $150.00 for a first offense; $300.00 for a second offense; $500.00 for a third offense; and $1,000 for each subsequent offense. Every such violation or refusal shall be deemed a separate violation, and each day that the same shall continue shall be deemed a separate violation.

2. Contractors are responsible for informing their employees and subcontractors of the requirements and obligations set forth in this ordinance.

3. The provisions of this Section may be enforced and notice of violations may be issued by any member of the Somers Point Police Department, the Somers Point Construction Official, Code Enforcement Officer, Zoning Official, or their designee(s).

SECTION 2. REPEALER.

All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances, including those specified in Section 3 hereof, which are in conflict or inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency or conflict only.

SECTION 3. SEVERABILITY.

If any section, paragraph, subdivision, subsection, clause or provision of this Ordinance shall be adjudged invalid, such adjudication shall apply only to the section, paragraph, subsection, subsection, clause, or provision declared invalid and the remainder of this Ordinance shall remain in full force and effect and shall be enforceable.

SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE.

This Ordinance shall take effect upon final adoption and publication as required by law.

Shelby Heath, RMC

City Clerk

Posted on: 6/26/2026