Cut the Dust! New Jersey

Surfrider’s New Jersey Chapters, working closely with Sustainable Margate and Beyond Plastics New Jersey, are working to reduce pollution from construction sites.

State Bills S4058 and A3763 would require construction sites to contain pollutants generated during activities such as cutting, drilling, and sanding building materials. These pollutants include plastic particles from PVC, vinyl siding, and composite decking; silica dust from concrete, brick, mortar, and pavers; fiberglass fibers from insulation and composite materials; and foam particles from polystyrene-based products. Currently, there are limited requirements to contain many of these contaminants before they are carried by wind, rain, or stormwater runoff into neighboring properties, waterways, and coastal ecosystems.

The bills would require contractors to implement simple, practical containment measures, including the use of vacuum attachments on saws, wet-cutting methods for masonry materials, temporary enclosures such as tents or saw hoods, tarps to capture dust and debris, and proper collection and disposal of waste materials.

Construction-generated pollutants present both environmental and public health concerns. Microplastics have been found in drinking water, food, human blood, the placenta, and other organs. Silica dust is a known cause of silicosis and lung cancer. Fiberglass fibers can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.

By preventing these contaminants from leaving construction sites, these bills would help protect workers, neighboring residents, wildlife, waterways, and coastal communities while promoting safer and more responsible construction practices throughout New Jersey.

 Plastic pollution poses significant health risks to humans, especially those in underserved communities where the majority of plastic manufacturing and waste management infrastructure is located. 

Long time Surfrider volunteer and Sustainable Margate Chairman, Steve Jasecki, as well as long time Surfrider volunteer Bill Stuempfig, are leading the charge for South Jersey. 

Surfrider Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager CeCe Carter organized a small coalition to support these ordinances in New Jersey, including: Sustainable Margate Board Member Sherri Lilienfeld and Beyond Plastics affiliate (and Board Member) Brian Thompson, who is also an Environmental Commissioner in Monmouth Beach. This coalition has passed similar ordinances in eighteen other New Jersey municipalities and is now working on a State level bill.

Send a message to your elected state officials asking them to vote YES on these bills today!