Unofficial USGS Video Series Now Online!
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has produced the majority of the scientific work into the problem of coal tar sealant pollution. They generously have worked to educate the public about their research either by webcasts or personal presentations. While this series, which is taken from an August 2010 presentation in Springfield, Missouri, is available […]
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 […]
Prior Lake Now 8th Minnesota City to Enact a Ban!
Now there is only one way to apply sealants in Prior Lake, Minnesota: coal tar free! Last night the City Council adopted an ordinance banning the use of coal tar containing pavement sealers. The ban prohibits the use or sale of the material. According to the ordinance: Any person convicted of violating any provision of […]
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 […]
“We Are the First, We Won’t Be the Last,” Ban Officially Passes Washington Legislature!
From the Washington Environmental Council: First in nation ban on toxic coal tar sealants passes WA state legislature Sealants contain high levels of toxic substances, posing threat to public health OLYMPIA – Today, the Washington State Legislature enacted a first-in-the-nation ban on toxic coal tar sealants, a substance responsible for significant stormwater pollution and toxic […]
USGS to Brief Congress on Coal Tar Sealant Pollution
With the federal budget crisis averted, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) will brief Congress on the results of their research on this topic. The following notice gives the details. This briefing is sponsored by a non-partisan, non-profit scientific group; a technical water quality group with 36,000 members; and the Congressional leader on this topic. […]
With Impressive Bi-Partisan Support, Washington State Ban Passes Senate; First State Ban Close!
This evening the State of Washington’s Senate passed SB 1721 (36 Y, 12 N) which will ban coal pavement sealants for use throughout the State. This will require concurrence with the House of Representatives, but it a similar bill has passed both the House and the Senate. The United States’ first statewide ban of coal […]
Great New Resource for Coal Tar Info
Every now again a community comes along to assemble the disparate sources of information about coal tar sealants in one place. It serves the purpose to assist their respective communities in decision making and is a communication tool if any legislative action is taken. The City of Austin, TX did this early on in their […]
Wicked Wetland Regs Limit Coal Tar Sealants
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts joins the growing list of governmental bodies that have enacted some legislation regarding the application of coal tar pavement sealants. In general, it requires new development affecting wetlands must certify that any future pavement maintenance activity exclude the use of coal tar sealants. This action recognizes the negative impacts of PAHs […]
New PAH Bad Actor: Benzo[c]fluorene
In a recent blog post, we discussed the proposed changes to the potency of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) mixtures, including coal tar sealants. There are 18 new PAH chemicals being recognized for their toxicity in addition to the previous 6. One of those new chemicals is benzo[c]fluorene, which is also known as benzofluorene or 7H-benzo[c]fluorene. […]