Do you plan to sealcoat your driveway this summer?

Your choices can impact local water bodies.

Many driveway sealers are coal tar based, that over time can wear off and contaminate our ponds. Coal tar sealers are a major source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can accumulate in the sediment of ponds connected to the storm sewer system. PAHs are a group of organic compounds formed when burning anything carbon based, either naturally or from human activity, be it wood, gasoline or even just grilling your steak. Some PAHs are known carcinogens and are persistent in the environment, while others decompose easily and are of little health risk. Coal tar based sealants contain 1000 times more PAHs than do similarly performing asphalt based sealants. The City continues to use an asphalt based emulsified sealer during the rock/chip sealcoating maintenance of our streets, which contains minimal PAHs. So, when you choose to dress up your faded and gray driveway, ask your retailer or contractor to check for an asphalt based sealant, you ’ ll have helped your local pond.

For more information check this fact sheet on the USGS website:

USGS Coal-Tar Fact Sheet (3.25MB, 6-page PDF)

For more information, contact:

Steve Segar, Civil Engineer
1700 W. 98th Street
PH; 952-563-4533, FAX 952-563-4868
E-mail: ssegar@ci.bloomington.mn.us

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