We’ve covered the issue of pavement sealants before, first in this 2006 article and in various updates; just two weeks ago I mentioned several new studies that report on the risks such sealants pose to the environment and human health.
The city of Austin, TX, banned the use of coal-tar-based sealants early in 2006, based on water-quality studies it had carried out in conjunction with the US Geological Survey concerning water quality and PAH levels in local creeks. Tom Ennis, who, as the director of Austin’s Spills Response Division of the Watershed Protection and Development Review Department, was interviewed for the 2006 Stormwater article, reports that last week a bill was introduced to end the use of coal-tar-based sealants nationwide. HR 4166 was introduced by Congressman Lloyd Doggett of Texas and has support of several other members of Congress—Jim McDermott of Washington, Keith Ellison of Minnesota, Mike Quigley of Illinois, and Bill Keating of Massachusetts—and from several environmental groups. (Last year Washington became the first state to ban coal-tar-based sealants.)
The bill would phase out the manufacturing of such sealants within a year of being enacted, cease distribution of them within a year and a half, and end sales within two and a half years.
You can find more information on the site of Coal Tar Free America, including a list of jurisdictions that have already banned or restricted the use of these sealants. You can read the text of the bill here.
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Upcoming Forester University Webinars
March 15th, 2012
BMP Management
for Surface Water Quality
Constantly influenced by natural eutrophication, direct human impact, and a changing climate, surface water is a scarce natural resource needing effective protection. Join Shahram (Shane) Missaghi to explore the function and benefits of BMPs in protecting surface water, and examine three key criteria to insure their successful implementation: water, soil, and climate Read more...
March 22nd, 2012
5 Proven Social Media Tactics to Engage Your Audience
Extend your outreach and campaign effectiveness with social media. Join Erica Hooper, Strategic Director at S. Groner Associates, to explore social media's (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, etc.) opportunities, myths, and real-world tested and proven social media tactics designed to engage your audience. Read more…
April 5th, 2012
BMP Management
for Surface Water Quality (new date added)
Constantly influenced by natural eutrophication, direct human impact, and a changing climate, surface water is a scarce natural resource needing effective protection. Join Shahram (Shane) Missaghi to explore the function and benefits of BMPs in protecting surface water, and examine three key criteria to insure their successful implementation: water, soil, and climate Read more...
April 18th, - May 25th, 2012
Sediment and Erosion Control
Master Class Series
Join industry expert and bestselling author Jerald S. Fifield, Ph.D., CISEC, CPESC and Tina R. Evans, PE, CISEC for a comprehensive 6-part online master class and workshop series (0.9 CEUs / 9 PDHs) exploring the ins and outs of effective sediment and erosion control plan design and review based on Fifield’s recently released 3rd edition of the bestselling manual Designing and Reviewing Effective Sediment and Erosion Control Plans (included in your Master Class Series package).
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