PAHs Force NJ Park Closure, But 2,000 Times Cleaner Than Sealant Dust
A park in Teaneck, New Jersey closed recently due to the discovery of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at a concerning level to local decision makers. The specific PAH of concern is the toxic benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) that was found above state clean soil standards. The crazy part of this story is that the concentration of BaP […]
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. […]
“Don’t Use Coal Tar on Asphalt Pavement,” Respected Asphalt Institute Recommends
The respected Asphalt Institute, which provides research and technical assistance to pavement managers and designer engineers primarily in the US, recommends against using coal tar sealants over asphalt. This isn’t the first technical paving source to recommend against the use of coal tar sealants for non-environmental reasons. A European study showed that coal tar sealants […]
Cleveland Rocks! Park District Avoids Coal Tar Use
Cleveland has long been a symbol of America struggling to emerge out of our industrial past. Some of the most polluted streams from coal tar waste have been found here downstream of coking facilities. Now the Cleveland Metro Parks is continuing the vision of a new cleaner, more sustainable future by specifying non-coal tar products […]
Busting Sealant Myths: “Purity” of Refined Coal Tar
In the days gone by, adults looked for an easier way to explain that awkward question from a child “where do babies come from?” I guess that’s why myths are created because the truth might make us feel uncomfortable. However myths and fables still abound especially when we talk about coal tar sealants. One of […]
Industry Seeks, Gains Delay of Sealant Ban
Reminiscent of a horror movie when you thought it was over and the monster was dead, in comes the industry making their patented breaks with science and logic and has gained some traction in at least one jurisdiction. As was reported on this site in earlier this year, Winfield, Kansas became the first community in […]
CONSUMER ALERT: Applicator Deception May Be on the Rise!
We have recently seen written claims by applicators of coal tar sealants boasting about their deceptive practices when selling their products. There has been enough information about coal tar sealants that folks frequently ask if the sealant has coal tar in it. They are told that no it is “environmentally friendly” and safe for the […]
Industry Group Vows Neutrality on Coal Tar Sealant Bans
Photo Courtesy of the CIA Editor’s note: As of 2014, this pledge has been broken and is included here as a historical reference only. An update to this can be found here. Recently the American Coating Association (ACA), with over 1,000 member companies and a history of more than 100 years, announced that they […]
USGS Video of Congressional Briefing Now Online
PAHs Increasing in Urban U.S. Lakes from Laura Parsons on Vimeo. In mid-April the United States Geological Survey presented the science of coal tar sealant pollution to Congress. Earlier we summarized the presentation in a blog posted later that day entitled, “USGS Shines as PCTC Whines in DC”. As you can see above, the video of this […]
USGS Shines As PCTC Whines in DC
Earlier today the USGS presented the state of their research into the problem of coal tar sealant pollution. Well-illustrated graphics, like the one above, helped communicate the science of coal tar to the Congressional representatives. The Pavement Coating Technology Council (PCTC) countered that they didn’t have a chance to present their perspective on science with […]