New and Despicable: Graphic Summary of Toxic Coal Tar Pollution
US EPA Debunks Industry’s Witch Hunt Conspiracy Theory
In a recent letter, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supported the coal tar sealer research findings of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in spite of an industry complaint. The industry had sought to have a publication by the EPA removed from their website. The publication, which we have linked to here, is […]
From Silent Spring to Surprising Sealcoats
An In-depth Interview with the Fed’s Leading Researcher on Coal Tar Sealers Here’s a rare glimpse into the timeline of the research accomplished the USGS on this topic, which was conducted by the University of Illinois Extension which offers “educational programs to residents of all of Illinois’ 102 counties – and far beyond.” Amazingly, it affects […]
Fantastique! Joint French/USGS Study Clearly Shows Runoff Affects Fish DNA
Effects Seen Even at 100 to 1 dilution. Just published today is a joint study between the Université de Lyon and the US Geological Survey (USGS) clearly demonstrates not only DNA damage, but also the fishes’ ability to repair that damage. The research was published in the journal Science of the Total Environment. One term used in […]
It’s Not a Complicated Story
It seems like a lot of information, but you know it’s not a complicated story. It’s not subtle. There’s not a lot mysteries to tease out in this. As scientists so often we pose ourselves questions and we may find answers, but it’s like this one is 20 percent higher than this or that is 5 […]
Austin Board: Coal Tar Ban Success Demands a National Response
Late last month Austin’s Environmental Board unanimously voted to modify the City’s federal legislative agenda to include a national ban on coal tar pavement sealers. This motion was made after hearing a presentation by staff biologist Mateo Scoggins on the recent USGS research that showed nearly a 60% decline in pollution levels in the sediments […]
Video Summary of Austin’s Water Quality Improvements
US News & World Report Picks Up on Austin’s Ban Success
Yesterday US News and World Report covered the recent USGS study showing the levels of toxic chemicals in Austin’s lake sediments have dropped nearly 60% since the City implemented a ban of coal tar pavement sealers. This is the first national news outlet to pick up on this story. Last week Congressman Lloyd Doggett held […]
Study: What Doesn’t Kill You, Just Might Give You Cancer
Coal Tar Sealants Runoff Packed with Fast-Acting Toxins And Slow-Release Carcinogens Months After Application Sorry Kelly Clarkson, unfortunately “what doesn’t kill you, only makes you stronger” doesn’t apply to coal tar pavement sealers. New research from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) leaves one wondering when it is safe to apply coal tar pavement sealants. The report, Concentrations of […]
It’s a ‘Fine’ Time for Illinois to Pass Coal Tar Sealant Ban Legislation
Legislative newcomer, Laura Fine, earlier this month introduced legislation to ban coal tar containing pavement products, aka “sealers,” from sale and use in the entire state beginning next year. The legislation, HB 4599, has the backing of the Illinois Sierra Club and others and is based upon the research completed by the DuPage River/Salt Creek […]