The purpose of this bylaw is to address public concerns regarding
the environmental hazards to wildlife and marine life in the Town
of Orleans posed by the release and improper disposal of balloons.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
LIGHTER-THAN-AIR GAS
A gas that is buoyant in air because it has an average density
lower than that of air (including, but not limited to helium gas).
Effective September 15, 2019, no person shall sell, or distribute
to the public, any type of balloon (including, but not limited to
plastic, latex, rubber or Mylar balloons) inflated with any type of
lighter-than-air gas. No person shall throw, deposit, discard, or
otherwise discharge inflated or uninflated balloons into any street,
alley, waterway, park, beach, or other public place in the Town of
Orleans unless placing in a trash receptacle. Further, no person shall
knowingly release or cause to be released into the air any balloon(s)
inflated with any lighter-than-air gas.
Launching or operation of lighter-than-air aircraft, or the
launching of balloons inflated with lighter-than-air gas by government
agencies or scientific organizations, is allowed.
This bylaw may be enforced by any Town of Orleans police officer
or other designee/agent authorized by the Board of Selectmen.
Any person or establishment violating this chapter shall be
punished by a non-criminal fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50)
for each offense.