New Fireworks Regulations Require Use of Biodegradable Materials, July 4 Shows Canceled

Fireworks displays on July 4 may be canceled due to new regulations requiring the use of biodegradable materials, among other requirements.

New Regulations on Fireworks

Due to new environmental limitations, several local Southland destinations for Fourth of July fireworks displays may be prompted to cancel this year's events.

After the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board adopted a new permit for fireworks organizers, Redondo Beach, which holds one of the Southland's most popular summer holiday festivities, may have to cancel their performance. The laws are comparable to those in place in cities such as San Diego and San Francisco.

The usage of biodegradable materials is one of the new requirements for organizing fireworks displays.

Three-sided fences must be built around the barges to keep rubbish from falling into the ocean, and the hosts should videotape launch locations to monitor all debris. Divers should also be hired to pick up toxins after events.

According to Annelisa Moe, a Heal the Bay Water Quality Scientist, every effort everyone can contribute to reducing the additional impact of pollution will make the ecosystems more resilient.

Canceled Shows on July 4

As a result of the new laws, Pyro Spectaculars by Souza, which creates events in Redondo Beach, Santa Monica, and Malibu, among other places, has stated that they may be forced to terminate their participation in the concerts.

According to a statement obtained by CBS News, Pyro Spectaculars by Souza expresses great dismay at the decision not to be able to organize the traditional American Independence Day firework shows over the nearby water areas because of new governmental regulations just implemented by the Regional Water Quality Control Board which impact their shows to be held in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

The company said they cannot and will not jeopardize the safety of their employees or the general public to comply with the stringent standards.

Pyro Spectaculars by Souza, a five-generation-led enterprise, creates around 400 professional firework performances across California and America each year, bringing pleasure, patriotism, and 'ooohs and ahhhs' from the seas to celebrate the USA's birthday, CBS News reports.

According to the Los Angeles Water Board, other towns, such as Long Beach, have begun working with industries that have responded to the adjustments.

Also Read: Sky Canvas: First Human-Made Multi-Colored Meteor Shower in 2025, Not Just for Display 

Eco-Friendly Firecrackers

Unfortunately, traditional pyrotechnics contain substances that are potentially damaging to the environment.

According to The Curiosity Box, scientists in China, India, and the US have been working on alternates that are clean, nitrogen-based pyrotechnics.

Environmentally friendly pyrotechnics have been created throughout the years to limit the amount of pollution emitted in the atmosphere. Traditional fireworks are often created with charcoal and sulfur fuel, a perchlorate oxidizer to aid in combustion, as well as binders, colorants, and propellants. When the pyrotechnics are lit, they produce a considerable amount of smoke, unused perchlorates, and metal by-products from the colorants, all of which are contaminants.

Eco-friendly pyrotechnics use a nitrogen-based fuel that burns cleanly. This eliminates the need for a perchlorate oxidizer, and because there is minimal smoke, just modest quantities of metal salts are required to generate the beautifully colored flames, BBC Science Focus reports.

Related Article: Fireworks Paint the Skies with Color, Taint the Environment with Chemicals