Coal Tar Sealant Ban

On Monday, April 2, 2018, the Deerfield Village Board approved an ordinance that bans the use and sale of coal tar pavement sealants and regulates the licensing of pavement sealant professionals. The ordinance took effect on May 1, 2018.

Pavement sealant professionals are required to fill out an online license application with the Village. This license must be renewed annually in the amount of $100.

Similar ordinances banning the use of coal tar exist in several neighboring communities including Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Vernon Hills, South Barrington and Evanston.

Asphalt based sealants are a readily available alternative to coal tar based sealants and numerous studies by the United States Geological Survey, amongst other governmental entities have shown that asphalt based sealants have significantly lower concentrations of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and lower potential for contributing harmful organic material into the environment.

A list of currently licensed pavement sealant professionals can be obtained by calling the Building Division at 847.719.7484.

For more information, view frequently asked questions below.