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1. What is coal-tar sealcoat?

Coal-tar sealcoat is a type of sealant used to maintain and protect driveway and parking lot asphalt pavement. Coal-tar sealcoat typically contains 20 to 35% coal tar pitch, a byproduct of the steel manufacturing industry, which is 50% or more PAHs by weight. (Source: epa.gov)

2. What are PAHs in the environment?

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic compounds. These chemicals come from both natural and man-made sources. Man-made sources of PAHs in the environment include the incomplete burning of organic materials (e.g., coal, oil, gas, wood, garbage); vehicle exhaust; asphalt; coal-tar and coal-tar based sealcoats; creosote; and cigarette and tobacco smoke. (Source: epa.gov)

3. What state legislative action has been taken addressing PAHs from coal-tar sealcoat?

State of Illinois Senate Bill 2954 was originally introduced in 2020. Illinois Senate Bill 692 was re-introduced February 25, 2021. 

Summary: Creates the Coal Tar Sealant Disclosure Act. Requires specified persons and entities, public schools and public school districts, and State agencies to disclose the use of a coal tar-based sealant or high polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon sealant product. Provides requirements for disclosures made under the Act. Requires persons or entities to provide information regarding alternative sealant upon request and public schools or public school districts and the State to seek an asphalt-based sealant when distributing any request for proposals. Requires public schools or public school districts and State agencies to determine whether specified benefits of alternative products outweigh the cost, and if so to use them. Provides that the Department of Public Health, in consultation with the State Board of Education, shall conduct outreach to public schools and public school districts regarding coal tar-based sealant and high polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon product. Provides that nothing in the Act applies to a construction project or sale in which coal tar-based sealant or high polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon sealant product is used for roofing application. Contains other provisions. 

4. What City action prohibits high levels of PAH?

On November 4, 2020, the City Council passed Resolution No. 20-111 which bans the sale, use and application of coal tar-based sealant products containing high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH).

5. I am a resident. What action do I need to take?

If you are a resident within the corporate limits of the City of Lockport, do not purchase, use or apply coal-tar on private driveways or other surfaces.

6. I am a contractor. What action do I need to take?

Contractors within the corporate limits of the City of Lockport should use another sealant that does not include a high level of PAH. 

7. I am a business owner. What action do I need to take?

Businesses within the corporate limits of the City of Lockport shall sell alternative products that do not contain a high level of PAH.

8. What are some alternatives to coal-tar sealant?

Pavement options such as pervious concrete, permeable asphalt and paver systems do not require sealants. These types of pavements allow for stormwater to naturally infiltrate, resulting in decreased runoff. (Source: epa.gov)

9. Does this mean that I cannot replace my driveway with asphalt?

No, you can still replace your asphalt driveway.  The contractor just cannot use a coal tar product.  Contractors have been notified of the change but if you have a quote done, make sure that they do not use coal tar.

10. Does this mean that I cannot reseal my own driveway?

No, you can still reseal your driveway, but with a coal tar-free product.  Lockport Ace and most national home improvements stores (Home Depot, Menards) have phased out coal tar products for sale, but still ask a salesperson to make sure.