Environmental Concerns

If you decide to sealcoat your asphalt driveway, there are a few things you should know. Sealcoating makes old asphalt look new and protects its surface. However, studies conducted by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) raise concerns about the chemicals used in the various products.

Sealcoat comes in two basic varieties: coal tar-based and asphalt-based. The coal tar variety is more resilient, but it contains higher levels of a class of chemicals called PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) that harm fish, and with prolonged exposure, pose a risk of cancer in humans. Because of the environmental problems associated with PAHs, the City of Austin, Texas, Dane County, Wisconsin, and Washington D.C. have banned use of coal tar-based sealcoat in their jurisdictions (asphalt-based sealcoat may still be used).

The Village of Lake in the Hills is providing this notice to encourage residents to study product labels carefully and take steps to protect our environment.