Greendale Bans Coal Tar Sealant For Roadways

GREENDALE, WI -- Spreading a layer of black coal tar sealant on a driveway, parking lot or into road cracks may be a way to help keep forces of nature and wear-and-tear at bay, however the material is no longer allowed to be applied or sold in Greendale.

"Pavement sealants are commonly applied to driveways, parking lots, playgrounds, and private roads to provide maintain a deep black color and to protect the underlying pavement. Some types of pavement sealants, particularly coal tar sealants, contain high levels of PAHs.

"Many PAHs are toxic, carcinogenic (cancer-causing), and/or cause birth defects or developmental problems in humans and animals," Greendale officials said in a statement.

Under the new ordinance, officials are advising members of the public not use or allow contractors to use high-PAH sealants on their property.

Greendale officials say there are sealant products that contain much lower, or no, PAHs. Asphalt emulsion sealants are widely available and contain about a thousand times fewer PAHs. Acrylic or latex sealants contain no PAHs.

Under the new ordinance, any person who applies prohibited products is subject to a fine of $500 per violation for a resident or up to $10,000 for a business.