Coal Tar Prohibition

In partnership with The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, the City of Traverse City adopted a Ban of Coal Tar Sealant Products that bans the use and sale of coal tar sealant products and other high PAH products with an effective date of February 13, 2020. To view the ordinance, please click here. 

Coal Tar contains high 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. 

For more information on the harmful effects of Coal Tar, please visit the following pages:

• Watershed Center Hydrocarbon Pahs
• EPA Coal Tar
• Coal Tar Fact Sheet

Thinking about Sealcoating your driveway? Review the Coal Tar Brochure prior to starting your project. 

Registered vendors in the City of Traverse City:

• Molon Asphalt (231) 275-4334
• Ace Seal Right (231) 499-8988
• Grand Traverse Sealcoating & Striping (231) 944-9713
• Black Magic Asphalt Sealing (231) 218-8709

To report suspected use of Coal Tar products or for any other questions, please contact Teresa Nichols, tnichols@traversecitymi.gov.