O'Hara supports coal tar alternatives, stops short of outright ban

O’Hara council last week stopped short of banning coal tar use in the township but approved a resolution to support alternatives to the toxic chemical.

Citing risks to health and environment, council joined a growing list of municipalities that are moving away from coal tar, a substance linked to stomach and bladder cancer.

It is most commonly used in seal coating driveways and sport courts.

“O’Hara strongly encourages the use of alternates to coal tar for seal coating,” township Manager Julie Jakubec said. “We believe it is better for folks and the environment.”

In recent months, Hampton, Fox Chapel, Aspinwall, Millvale and Sharpsburg have taken a stand against the use of coal tar, a black liquid that is a potent source of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

It has been linked to certain cancers and is a toxic pollutant to area waterways.

The charge against coal tar has been led by Fox Chapel Councilwoman Mandy Steele, who is presenting information to every municipality in Allegheny County to sway them away from the chemical.

In May 2020, Fox Chapel became the first municipality in the state to ban the substance, followed by Sharpsburg and Aspinwall.

“Coal tar sealants are a 1A human carcinogen and our house dust and waterways are just loaded with it,” Steele said.

Mt. Lebanon, Blawnox and Pine are all considering the move. Presentations also were made to Cranberry, Ben Avon Heights, Bell Acres, Peters, Franklin Park, McCandless and Richland.

Blawnox Manager Kathy Ulanowicz said borough council likely will not approve an outright ban, but something similar to O’Hara.

“We are looking to do a resolution on best practices,” she said.

Blawnox council is expected to discuss it at its next meeting, 6:30 p.m. on June 9.