CODE OF VIRGINIA

RELEASE OF CERTAIN BALLOONS PROHIBITED; CIVIL PENALTY (§ 29.1-556.1)

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly release or cause to be
released into the atmosphere within a one-hour period fifty or more balloons
which are (i) made of a nonbiodegradable or nonphotodegradable material or any
material which requires more than five minutes’ contact with air or water
to degrade and (ii) inflated with a substance which is lighter than air.  Any
person who violates this section shall be liable for a civil penalty not to
exceed five dollars per balloon released above the allowable limit, which shall
be paid into the Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Endowment Fund established
pursuant to § 29.1-101.1.

B. The provisions of this section shall not apply to (i) balloons released by or
on behalf of any agency of the Commonwealth, or the United States or 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 balloons that are recovered after launch.

HISTORY: 1991, c. 607.