Falls Township is looking ban the release of helium balloons and luminaries in its parks.
Last week, the Falls Township Board of Supervisors voted to authorize advertisement of proposed changes to the park ordinances.
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The banning of releasing helium balloons and luminaries comes amid concerns about the dangers and impacts on wildlife, Parks and Recreation Director Brian Andrews said.
Items releases into the air to float away eventually come back down to Earth. Animals can eat the debris or get tangled in it, causing death, Andrews said.
In 2018, Bristol Borough banned the release of similar sky lanterns and mylar balloons. The fire chief said the lanterns become wayward and cause fires and the balloons can cause utility outages if they come in contact with power lines.
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The Falls Township Supervisors also advertised a proposed change that would require all boats in township park water to be in compliance with the Fish and Boat Commission boating regulations and anyone occupying a watercraft would be required to wear a flotation device at all times. Under the changes, wading and swimming would be prohibited.
The proposed ordinance changes would bring Falls Township’s rules more in line with state regulations, according to township solicitor Lauren Gallagher.
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