Prominent Industry Group Changes Position on Bans
According to the publication, Inside EPA, the National Pavement Contractors’ Association (NPCA) will no longer oppose coal tar sealant bans. The NPCA manages a discussion forum that is probably the most robust discussion of pavement topics on the internet. The most prolific section of discussion is on sealcoating. To say that the group historically is pro-coal tar is an understatement. […]
Austin Ban Illustrates Prudent Pollution Prevention According to National Research Council
I came across this report I read several years ago that is just as pertinent today as it was in 2008 and thought I would share it with the readers of this site. The National Research Council of the National Academies, with nearly 150 years of Congressional authorization on science, medicine and engineering, authored a […]
Austin School District Nears Landmark Decision on Coal Tar Sealants
Over two years ago Austin’s school district (AISD) committed to investigate the use of coal tar pavement sealants “as soon as possible.” Now a story in a local newspaper, the Oak Hill Gazette. indicates the district is closer to having an action plan. The action plan would be the nation’s first for coal tar pavement sealants, […]
Tribute to My Friend, CTS Pollution Pioneer, Tom Bashara
Tom Bashara at Pavement Test Plots in Austin, TX Earlier today I was shocked to learn of the loss of my friend and colleague, Tom Bashara. He was a young man with a young family which deepens our sense of loss. Often the USGS has anonymously referred to Tom as “an astute City of Austin […]
Our Babies Are Exposed to Tar At Unsafe Levels at School
Some might say this is a bold statement coming from a non-toxicologist. Well let’s do some old fashioned “connect-a-dot” with what we know and see if you might agree. Potent Mutagen We showed previously that CTS are a potent mutagen, right out of the bucket. Just How Toxic is CTS? Uncle Sam Says So […]
Industry “Study” Says No Effect in Austin From Sealant Ban
Wow, with a preconceived outcome and limited data it is little wonder what the results would be. Here are some very obvious thoughts about this industry sponsored study. To paraphrase Lyndon Johnson, environmental stewardship is a journey of a thousand miles and it must be taken one step at a time. The Austin coal tar […]
Austin Now a Million Pounds Lighter
No it wasn’t a fit city weight loss program, but the City of Austin published the results of their ban of coal tar pavement sealants in a Stormwater Magazine editorial. Since 2006 the ban in Austin has reduced the quantity of PAHs going into Austin’s environment by a whopping 1 million pounds! Link to article