Chautauqua County is joining Erie County in banning personal care products containing microbeads.
The plastic is used in more than 100 products including facial scrubs, soaps and toothpastes. The particles are so small they pass through treatment plants and pollute waterways.
"Together with unanimous support by the representatives of the people--the legislature--and the impact on our fishing industry and our lakes, I thought it was in the best interest of Chautauqua County," said Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan.
Horrigan says the law is similar to one passed in August by Erie County. He says the ban takes effect in February.
The State Assembly has passed similar legislation during the past two years, but the bill has been stalled in the Senate.