After robust media and USGS attention, McHenry County government discovered last year that they do not have the constitutional authority to pass a coal tar sealant ban. In May 2011, the Assistant State’s Attorney, Ms. Jamie Rein, said that a written opinion had been developed which denied the County’s authority to pass a local ban.
McHenry County includes a community called Lake-in-the-Hills, where:
- the USGS found the highest levels of PAHs along a residential driveway from coal tar sealer
- as much as 4% of some watersheds are coated in coal tar sealcoat
- the Chicago Tribune featured an article highlighting the local findings (New Doubts Cast on Safety of Common Driveway Sealant), which was circulated around the US
- the County government had seminars and produced a robust reference of coal tar sealant resources
Now Senator Pamela J. Althoff, (R-32nd District), has introduced legislation to allow counties to pass coal tar sealant bans. We applaud this action take by McHenry County, the Senator, and hopefully the McHenry County Board and others in the future.