Coal tar sealants are especially dangerous to amphibians.
Coal tar sealants are especially dangerous to amphibians.
The Village of Wilmette Environmental and Energy Commission (EEC) meets at 6:30 p.m. today, March 7, in the Village Board Conference Room, on the first floor of Village Hall, located at 1200 Wilmette Ave.
After reviewing staff reports and hearing the bicycle task force update, the commission will move on to a discussion on coal tar sealants.
Coal tar sealants are used on asphalt driveways and parking lots to seal and protect the surface. Generally, the sealant consists of 20 to 30 percent coal tar pitch. This product contains 50 percent or more of polycyctic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are harmful to humans and the environment, particularly aquatic life such as frogs and amphibians. Coal tar sealants release PAHs into stormwater, which then flows into stormwater ponds and urban lakes. Stormwater ponds contaminated by PAHs may require dredging and hazardous waste disposal of the sediment.
The District of Columbia, Washington state and Austin, Texas, have banned the sale and use of coal tar sealants. Locally, Winnetka and South Barrington have banned coal tar sealants, and Chicago and Des Plaines have taken the issue under considerations.
In addition to the discussion on coal tar sealants and their use in Wilmette, the commission will hear and discuss the EEC's participation in Going Green Matters Environmental Fair, scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 13. The fair is sponsored by Go Green Wilmette and the village.
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