§ 143-215.74O.  (Effective January 1, 2025) Encapsulation and design requirements for submersible polystyrene devices.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, no person shall install a submersible polystyrene device on a dock, buoy, or float unless the device is encapsulated by a protective covering or designed to prevent the polystyrene from disintegrating into the waters of the State.

(b) The requirements of this section do not apply to any of the following:

(1) Construction, maintenance, or operation of boats or vessels.

(2) Polystyrene foam devices manufactured into extruded closed cell beads of no more than 0.125 inches in diameter.

(c) Any of the following methods of encapsulation shall be considered sufficient to meet the requirements of this section:

(1) Concrete of at least 1 inch in thickness.

(2) Galvanized steel of at least 0.065 inches or 16 gauge in thickness.

(3) Liquid coatings of at least 0.03 inches in thickness, chemically or securely bonded to the polystyrene foam flotation.

(4) Rigid plastics of at least 0.05 inches in thickness.

(5) Fiberglass or plastic resins of at least 0.03 inches in thickness, chemically or securely bonded to the polystyrene foam flotation. (2023-137, s. 11(a).)