Editorial: Ann Arbor joins VBT, Scio in banning coal tar sealants

On June 21, the Huron River Watershed Council sent out a news release celebrating the Ann Arbor City Council’s vote the day before to ban the use of coal tar sealants in the city.
Van Buren Township was the first municipality in the state to ban coal tar use after Dr. David Wilson and the Environmental Commission were alerted to the toxic substance by the Watershed Council. Especially convincing was the idea of children playing on driveways sealed with coal tar substance and then tracking particles into the house or having it on their hands when they eat.
Scio Township then also banned it.
Dr. Wilson and many others are convinced it is a carcinogen and banning its use saves children’s lives.
Dr. Wilson and David Brownlee, chairman of the VBT Environmental Commission, gave presentations on coal tar to Sumpter Township and City of Belleville planning commissions hoping to have VBT’s neighboring communities join in the coal tar ban. But Sumpter and Belleville have not moved forward. Now Ann Arbor is third on the growing list of aware communities.
Dr. Wilson and Brownlee are convinced that coal tar will be banned by the state and, eventually, nationwide.
And, at Tuesday’s township board meeting, Trustee Phil Hart was pleased to announce that Van Buren Township led the way in Michigan. Congratulations.