FAQs • Deerfield, IL • CivicEngage

What is coal tar?: Coal tar is a thick, black or brown liquid that is a byproduct of the carbonization of coal for the steel industry or the gasification of coal to make coal gas. Coal tar is a byproduct of the coking of coal for the steel industry and coal-tar pitch is the residue remaining after the distillation of coal tar. Coal-tar pitch is 50 percent or more Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) by weight and are a potential concern for human health and aquatic life.

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Coal Tar Pavement Sealant Regulations

1. How is coal tar regulated by the Village?: On April 2, 2018, the Village Board passed an ordinance banning the use and sale of coal tar pavement sealants and regulating the licensing of pavement sealant professionals.

2. What is the purpose of the ban?: The purpose of the ban is to regulate the use and sale of coal tar pavement sealants and licensing of pavement sealant professionals.

3. Who does the ban affect?: This ban affects pavement sealant professionals who work in Deerfield, businesses that could potentially sell coal tar based sealants and anyone paving or sealing a driveway or parking lot in the Village of Deerfield.

5. What is coal tar?: Coal tar is a thick, black or brown liquid that is a byproduct of the carbonization of coal for the steel industry or the gasification of coal to make coal gas. Coal tar is a byproduct of the coking of coal for the steel industry and coal-tar pitch is the residue remaining after the distillation of coal tar. Coal-tar pitch is 50 percent or more Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) by weight and are a potential concern for human health and aquatic life.

6. What are PAHs?: PAHs are a group of chemical compounds that form whenever anything with a carbon base is burned, from wood and gasoline to cigarettes and meat. PAHs also are in objects and materials, such as automobile tires and coal tar, the production of which involves the heating of carbon-based materials. PAHs are of environmental concern because several are toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, and/or teratogenic (causing birth defects) to aquatic life, and seven are probable human carcinogens. Exposure to PAHs, especially early in childhood, has been linked by health professionals to an increased risk of lung, skin, bladder and respiratory cancers.

7. What is coal tar used for?: Coal tar is used in certain pavement sealants. These type of sealants are no longer sold in local area home improvement stores (e.g. Home Depot) and are prohibited in the Village of Deerfield.

8. What’s the problem with coal tar sealants?: Coal-tar-based sealcoat products typically are 20 to 35 percent coal-tar pitch. Product analyses indicate that coal-tar-based sealcoat products contain about 1,000 times more PAHs than sealcoat products with an asphalt base.

9. What can I use instead of coal tar sealants?: Asphalt based sealants are a readily available alternative with less potential health concerns. Asphalt based sealants have been primarily used west of the Continental Divide for decades.

10. What if I want to pave my driveway myself and not hire a pavement sealant professional?: Homeowners that choose to sealcoat their driveway on their own and do not hire a pavement sealant professional do not need to obtain a license.

11. How do I know if a paver uses coal tar sealants?: Pavement sealant professionals working in Deerfield must possess a license with the Village and display a decal on the windshield of their vehicles. You may also ask a pavement sealant professional or contact the Village’s Community Development Department at 847.719.7484.

12. Do I need to be licensed to professionally pave driveways in the Village of Deerfield?: Yes. All pavement sealant professionals working in the Village of Deerfield must obtain a license from the Village prior to conducting any pavement sealing work.

13. How do I get a pavement sealant professional license?: Fill out an online pavement sealant professional license application form. Once approved, you will receive a license.

14. How much does a pavement sealant professional license cost?: There is a $100 annual fee. Your license must be renewed each year.

15. What is the penalty for violating the ordinance?: Any person found guilty of violating the ordinance will face a daily fine of $50-$1,000. Pavement sealant professionals may also have their license revoked.

16. Who can I contact if I have questions?: Please contact the Community Development Department at 847.719.7484 with questions. You may also stop by in person at Village Hall (850 Waukegan Road).