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Board supports exploring environmentally friendlier fireworks with goal of removing lake-sourced perchlorate contamination
Summary
Board members discussed language to reduce perchlorate contamination from fireworks in Whitefish Lake. The group endorsed exploring alternatives, setting a reduction goal and keeping the ordinance direction in mind rather than mandating immediate removal.
Planning board members reviewed a proposal to reduce contaminants from fireworks and discussed whether to recommend moving fireworks away from Whitefish Lake due to perchlorate contamination risk.
A participant flagged the potential for perchlorates and other contaminants to enter drinking-water sources after fireworks displays. The draft objective presented to the board said the city should “move all fireworks off Barge's Lake due to the risk of perchlorates entering drinking water.” Participants debated feasibility, enforcement and public reaction; board members emphasized that the growth-policy goal should not itself impose a new ordinance but can direct staff and council to study and pursue alternatives.
Board members proposed softer, actionable drafting: continue to explore and implement more environmentally friendly fireworks alternatives with the long-term goal of eliminating fireworks that introduce perchlorates into the lake. Several speakers pointed to an existing 2021 city ordinance that sought to reduce perchlorate-producing fireworks to 50% by a target year; staff characterized the draft growth-policy language as consistent with the city’s ongoing direction but suggested the plan frame the objective as a city goal rather than an immediate mandate.
Next steps: The board asked staff to retain language that encourages exploring and implementing environmentally friendly alternatives, add a long-term goal to reduce/eliminate lake contamination from fireworks, and cross-reference the existing city ordinance in the implementation notes rather than create immediate new regulatory burdens in the growth policy.
