Lake Forest council approves first reading of ordinance to prohibit coal‑tar pavement sealants; supporters cite water and health risks, aldermen raise enforce‑a

Lake Forest — The City Council granted first reading to an ordinance that would ban the application of coal‑tar pavement sealants on public and private property within the city.

Assistant to the city manager Carrie Cop told the council the environmental sustainability committee’s draft ordinance responds to scientific concerns about polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in coal‑tar‑based sealants. Cop said the products contain PAHs “classified as a known human carcinogen” and that worn particles wash into lawns, ravines and the storm‑water system, raising risks to streams and Lake Michigan.

Cop said staff surveyed local vendors and found eight of 10 respondents no longer offer coal‑tar; Home Depot and Lowe’s no longer stock coal‑tar in buckets, she said, and enforcement would be complaint‑based with the person applying the product responsible. The draft ordinance proposes a per‑violation fine of $750, Cop said; the council voted to accept the ordinance for first reading.

Supporters urged the council to act quickly. Melanie Ruml, speaking for the League of Women Voters of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, said the League has studied coal‑tar impacts and recommended action. “It’s not a safe product. It shouldn’t be leeching into our streams and into our drinking water,” Ruml said.

Several aldermen expressed reservations about enforcement and whether the measure is necessary if the product is already leaving the market. Alderman Powers said that if most vendors have stopped selling coal‑tar and larger retailers do not stock it, the problem may be shrinking; other members countered that a local prohibition fills a regulatory gap while the state considers broader action.

The first reading passed by voice vote. The council did not adopt final ordinance language or a compliance protocol in this meeting; further review and a second reading would be required for adoption.