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Reminder: The Release of Certain Balloons is Now Prohibited in the Commonwealth
Richmond, VA — In preparation for the Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days that is being held on July 16, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is reminding everyone that a new regulation went into effect on July 1, 2021, banning citizens from intentionally releasing or discarding any no-biodegradable or nonphotodegradable balloons in the outdoors in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
- 29.1-556.1. Release of certain balloons prohibited; civil penalty; community service.
- It is unlawful for any individual 16 years of age or older or other person to intentionally release, discard, or cause to be released or discarded outdoors any balloon made of a nonbiodegradable or nonphotodegradable material or any material that requires more than five minutes’ contact with air or water to degrade. Any person convicted of a violation of this section is liable for a civil penalty of $25 per balloon released or discarded, which shall be paid into the Game Protection Fund established pursuant to § 29.1-101. If an individual under the age of 16 releases a balloon by arrangement with or at the instruction of an adult, the adult shall be liable for the civil penalty assessed.
- The provisions of this section shall not apply to any (i) balloon released (a) by or on behalf of any agency of the Commonwealth or the United States or (b) pursuant to a contract with the Commonwealth, the United States, or any other state, territory, or government for scientific or meteorological purposes or (ii) hot air balloon that is recovered after launch.
“It is our intention to address any violations we observe,” said Sgt. Tim Dooley with DWR. “This can be done in a variety of ways to include educating the individuals regarding the changes to the code or, if warranted, an official warning or summons may be issued.”
DWR wants everyone to have fun and be safe this weekend among all of the festivities, but wants to remind you that the releasing of balloons is prohibited.
Always be responsible, be safe and have fun! #RecreateResponsibly #KnowBeforeYouGo
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET. IT WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE.
PLEASE DO NOT DISREGARD SAFETY MESSAGES. THEY ARE THERE TO PROTECT YOU!