West Mahanoy advertises firework ordinance; Shen. tables similar ordinance
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - An aerial firework over the west end of Shenandoah on July 4, 2020.
SHENANDOAH HEIGHTS – West Mahanoy Township Supervisors took the first step towards limiting the use of fireworks in their municipality on Tuesday evening.
The board approved advertising Ordinance 2020-1, setting regulations for the use of fireworks, at their monthly meeting at the municipal building. The ordinance was prepared by township solicitor Jim Amato.
The ordinance, if approved at next month’s meeting, would require a permit for the use of display fireworks, defined as salutes containing more than two grams or 130 milligrams of explosive materials; aerial shells containing more than 60 grams of pyrotechnic compositions; and other display pieces exceeding the limits of explosive materials for classification as consumer fireworks.
Consumer fireworks are defined in the ordinance as “any combustible or explosive composition or any substance or combination of substances which is intended to produce visible or audible effects of combustion, is suitable for use by the public, complies with the construction, performance, composition, and labeling requirements promulgated by the Consumer Products Safety Commission… and complies with the provisions for “consumer fireworks” as defined in APA 87-1.”
The use of display fireworks would be permitted for agricultural purposes; by railroads or other transportation agencies for signal purposes or illumination; in quarrying or for blasting; in the sale of blank cartridges for a show or theater; for signal or ceremonial purposes in sports; and by military organizations or organizations of veterans, according to the ordinance.
Permits would not be issued to anyone under the age of 21, and a bond of $50,000 would be required for displays.
Consumer fireworks would be prohibited on any township property, including streets, sidewalks, public parks, or public buildings; on private property without the owner’s permission; within a vehicle or building; into or at a vehicle or building; while under the influence of drugs or alcohol; within 150 feet of an occupied structure; after 10:00pm or before 7:00am unless otherwise permitted by the Township, except on New Year’s Eve, which will be midnight, New Year’s Day until 12:30am, and July 4 until 11:00p; on property smaller than one acre.
M-80s, M-100s, quarter sticks, and cherry bombs are expressly prohibited by the ordinance.
Violations would lead to a $500 fine for each offense, should the ordinance be enacted.
The same ordinance was presented at Shenandoah Borough Council on Monday, though some council members hadn’t had time to review the ordinance, so the matter was tabled until the September meeting.
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