The deliberate release of balloons that rise in the air would be banned in unincorporated areas of Ventura County under a proposal aimed at protecting the environment.

The proposal and a ban OK'd earlier in Ventura follow a barrage of public complaints over the Church of Scientology's release of hundreds of helium-filled balloons at a celebration two weeks ago by the state beach.

County Supervisor Steve Bennett is asking the Board of Supervisors to direct attorneys to return with an ordinance banning the deliberate release of balloons that are lighter than air, including those filled with helium or hot air. The vote to impose the prohibition would come later, assuming the board gives the direction at Tuesday's meeting.

Bennett's measure would affect only the unincorporated areas of Ventura County because that is the territory over which the board has direct oversight.

Exceptions found in state law would apply for scientific or government research and balloons carrying people, according to Bennett's proposal.

The state has banned the release of Mylar balloons because they can short out power lines, but the measures in both the city and the county add other types of balloons as well.

Reasons for the ban

Officials in both local governments cite damage to the environment and wildlife as the reason for the ban. Balloons that reach the ocean are known to be consumed by fish and endangered sea turtles, Bennett said in a letter to the board. On land, they can lodge in remote areas or high in trees and last for years, his letter said.

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No definite time is scheduled for the discussion of Bennett's proposal, but the board meeting is scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. It takes place in the supervisors' hearing room at the Hall of Administration at the County Government Center, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura.

Ventura's ban prohibits the release of balloons within city limits as part of a public or civic event, promotional event or product advertisement. It took effect immediately as an emergency ordinance on March 2 after passage by the Ventura City Council.

The council is due to consider a standard ordinance banning balloon releases March 16 in case someone challenges the council's findings that emergency action was needed to preserve public peace, health or safety. It will clarify what types of events qualify under the measure, Assistant City Attorney Megan Lorenzen said.

The city's ban does not affect small private events, such as birthday parties, Lorenzen said. Bennett's proposal does if the balloon release was intentional and planned by the event organizers.

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Lorenzen said her research shows that bans on balloon releases have been enacted in New Jersey and Maryland, but not many have passed in California.

California law prohibits the release of Mylar balloons, but not those made of other materials including latex, rubber and nylon fabric, according to the city's emergency measure. Although latex balloons are biodegradable, it can take years for them to break down, offering plenty of time for animals to encounter the litter, the measure says.

Kathleen Wilson covers the Ventura County government, including the county health system, politics and social services. Reach her at kathleen.wilson@vcstar.com or 805-437-0271.