In 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.
Pavement sealant professionals are required to fill out a license application with the Village and must display a decal on their vehicles. This license must be renewed annually in the amount of $100.
Homeowners who sealcoat their own driveways do not need a license but are prohibited from using coal-tar-based sealants. Home Depot and other retailers do not sell coal tar sealants.
Asphalt based sealants are a readily available alternative to coal tar based sealants and numerous studies by the United States Geological Survey, among 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.
Similar ordinances banning the use of coal tar exist in several neighboring communities including Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Vernon Hills, South Barrington and Evanston.
For more information or to fill out a Pavement Sealant Professional License application, click this link or contact the Community Development Department at 847.719.7484.