Members of Sustainable Margate traveled to Trenton on Monday, March 16 to testify on a bill that mandates cleaner construction sites.
If passed, anyone (contractors, homeowners) doing work on their property must use containment devices to prevent spread of pollutants.
Margate’s Steve Jasiecki and ‘Sustainable’ Sherri Lilienfeld testified before the NJ Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee. Assembly Bill 3763.
Also fighting the good fight: Greg Remaud, Exec Dir of NY/NJ Baykeeper and Brian Thompson, Retired Journalist, NBC, Monmouth Beach, New Jersey — Beyond Plastics – Working To End Single-Use Plastic Pollution.
So far, 18 towns are already using tents, shop-vacs, tarps, saw hoods, etc., when cutting building materials.
Goal: prevent microplastics and other pollutants from getting into the air, soil and water.
Many contractors still unaware of the dangers that microplastics pose. Contractors just need to clean up the dust and dispose of it properly.
Lilienfeld is a professional Downbeach Real Estate agent from EXP Realty. She’s also a chemical engineer that encourages builders and local officials to be more respectful of the environment.
Sherri says “this is practical and common sense” for protecting workers, residents, and the environment. It’s a lot easier to contain a contaminant and take care of it at the source, than try to clean up once it’s in the ocean,” she said.
Builders Association Objection: The small additional cost is more important than public health?
When harmful materials are not properly contained, they become airborne, settle in soil, enter storm drains, and eventually reach waterways. They infiltrate our bodies and food supply. Studies show that microplastics are being detected in human blood, lungs, organs, brains, and sex organs. The construction workers themselves are the most at risk breathing in particles. Workers at risk. They’re exposed to harmful dust and debris.
Did you know? Pets can pick up particles on their fur and paws and track it into the home.
Sherri Lilienfeld: containment practices are not complicated or expensive. When debris is contained, cleanup is dramatically faster. Jobsites remain cleaner, neighbors and customers are much happier, complaints are reduced.
Compliance is enforced by local code enforcement and building inspectors.
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