OLYMPIA, Wash.-New protection efforts to reduce plastic and foam pollution from dock floats in Washington state waterways are set to take effect in the new year.
The new requirements starting Jan. 1, 2024 are part of the 2023 plastics pollution reduction law and mean that the expanded polystyrene used to float most overwater structures must be fully encased in concrete, aluminum, steel, or plastic to prevent it from breaking up and dispersing when the material becomes waterlogged or damaged, according to the Department of Ecology.
“Boaters, anglers and others who enjoy Washington’s waters see first-hand the mess created when exposed white foam breaks down into tiny beads, polluting shorelines and endangering aquatic animals,” said Solid Waste Management Program Manager Peter Lyon.
Dock owners are not required to immediately replace non-compliant, exposed foam floats but will need to upgrade when the time comes to replace or repair those existing structures, according to the Department of Ecology.
Ecology plans to educate the public and dock owners on the new reduction procedures, however, in the future fines of up to $10,000 may be levied against violators of the protections.