Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Leonard Vialpando
Department: Resilient Environment Division: Natural Resources Division
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution amending the Broward County Administrative Code, the title of which is as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, PERTAINING TO POLYSTYRENE, SINGLE-USE PLASTIC STRAWS AND STIRRERS, AND LITTER PREVENTION ON COUNTY PROPERTY; CREATING PART XXX AND SECTIONS 27.171 THROUGH 27.175 OF CHAPTER 27 OF THE BROWARD COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE ("ADMINISTRATIVE CODE"); ESTABLISHING POLICIES RESTRICTING THE USE AND PURCHASE OF POLYSTYRENE AND SINGLE-USE PLASTIC STRAWS AND STIRRERS ON COUNTY PROPERTY AND PREVENTING LITTER; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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Why Action is Necessary
The Broward County Charter requires a public hearing for adoption of amendments to the Broward County Administrative Code.
What Action Accomplishes
Amends Broward County Administrative Code (Exhibit 1) to restrict the use, distribution, and sale of polystyrene, plastic straws and stirrers on Broward County property, and prohibits the use and release of balloons, Chinese lanterns, and confetti outside on County property.
Is this Action Goal Related
Yes
Previous Action Taken
The Board approved setting of the public hearing on April 5, 2022 (Agenda Item 63).
Summary Explanation/Background
THE RESILIENT ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT, THE NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION, AND THE CLIMATE CHANGE TASK FORCE RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This item supports the Board's Value of "Encouraging investments in renewable energy, sustainable practices and environmental protection" and Goal 1: "Seek funding for, implement policies and pursue projects promoting, the use of alternative energies and sustainable practices."
Broward County's Climate Change Action Plan calls for the reduction of plastic waste on County property, in County contracts, and at County events. Expanded polystyrene, a petroleum byproduct commonly known as "Styrofoam," is neither readily recyclable nor biodegradable. Polystyrene and single-use plastic products pose a threat to wildlife, waterways, and ecosystems, and contaminate the public drainage system as they create litter and impede waste reduction and recycling goals. Florida’s protected sea turtles can mistake balloons on the beach and in the ocean for jellyfish (Leatherback sea turtles’ main diet is invertebrates such as jellyfish), ingesting them, causing harm, including death. Balloons are also harmful to marine mammals, such as manatees, and shore birds. The waters surrounding the County support threatened and endangered species such as the West Indian manatee, and beaches within the County support shorebird species and are designated nesting habitats for the protected loggerhead, green, and leatherback sea turtles, which are vulnerable to polystyrene and plastic wastes harming their health and habitat.
The County has a duty to protect County facilities and County property. Restricting the use of polystyrene and single-use plastic products on County property will reduce litter in the environment and is in the best interest of the health and well-being of County employees, residents, visitors, and natural systems.
Internal engagement and coordination to the amending of the Administrative Code involved the following County agencies: Parks, Port Everglades, Aviation, Animal Care, Human Services, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, Public Works, Broward Addiction Recovery Center (BARC), Libraries, Transportation, Purchasing, and the County Attorney’s Office.
Source of Additional Information
Stephanie Molloy, Director, Natural Resources Division, 954-519-1436.
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
The fiscal impact cannot be determined at this time as many single-use Styrofoam, plastic straw and stirrer purchases are bought through individual purchases which cannot be tracked on a county-wide basis.