Are you planning to sealcoat your driveway? Don’t use coal-tar-sealants. Roseville banned those sealants in 2011, and the State of Minnesota banned the use and sale of coal-tar-based sealants effective this year.
Coal-tar-sealants contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, (PAH) which are known carcinogens. Coal-tar-based sealants are used on driveways and parking lots. As the sealant ages (in 2 to 4 years), it can flake off, and storm water runoff can carry the flakes into storm water ponds.
Because of the toxic nature and danger to aquatic life, sediment with high levels of PAH in storm water ponds must be disposed of in a hazardous materials landfill. Roseville taxpayers pay for the cost of cleanup of any public storm water pond in the city.
Most stores no longer sell coal-tar-sealants, but door-to-door driveway coating contractors often use them. Since seal coating contractors do not have to be licensed in Roseville, we urge residents to help spread the word about the ban on coal-tar-sealants. If you are having your driveway sealcoated, ask the company whether they would be using coal-tar-based sealants. If they are, tell them they cannot do business in Roseville. Alternative sealants that do not contain coal tar are available for a comparable price. A person could face a fine and imprisonment if they are found guilty of violating the ordinance.
Contact the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency at 651-296-6300 or www.pca.state.mn.us/ktqha7e for information about coal-tar-based sealants.