The ASMA organization brings together asphalt maintenance professionals from all over the globe in order to further advance the progress and awareness of the asphalt emulsion industry.

An excerpt:

“We are excited to announce that A.S.M.A., the Asphalt Sealcoat Manufacturers Association, has reemerged as the newly formed ASMA-USA. This new organization was formed in 2020 to bring together manufacturers, contractors, vendors, and customers of asphalt emulsion sealcoat. ASMA-USA’s membership includes top leaders in the industry who intend to promote the benefits of and further advance the technological achievements of asphalt emulsion sealcoat on a global scale.

“Asphalt emulsion sealcoat has been the primary choice of sealcoat among manufacturers, contractors, property management companies, and government agencies on the West Coast for over 40 years,” says Robert Archie, newly-elected President of ASMA-USA.

“The vast market there kept most asphalt emulsion sealcoat companies thriving. When A.S.M.A. was originally created in 1992, our West Coast members were focused on Regional goals. For example, A.S.M.A. was successful in getting their specs adopted by Cal Trans; a huge achievement at the time. But as we continue to see coal tar bans across the country and the need for consistent viable alternatives in all states, we believe this is the time to ensure customers receive accurate reliable info on asphalt emulsion sealcoat.”

Some of ASMA-USA’s members already have a national presence. Their expansion efforts have had a powerful positive response. Not only did these ASMA-USA manufacturers offer a high-quality alternative to coal tar, but also a non-toxic one with little to no PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). For more info on PAHs, readers can refer to the extensive research at: https://coaltarfreeusa.com.

One of the original members of A.S.M.A. and a driving force behind the new organization, Secretary Jerome Jacobs, says,” It was time to bring all of our knowledge and expertise on asphalt emulsion sealcoat to the forefront. We have experts that have been in the industry for over 50 years willing to mentor and help shape our industry. All the pieces have really come together. That valuable expertise along with our new website and marketing technology will give professionals the true information they need to make important sealcoating decisions.”

ASMA-USA is already preparing for broad membership across the country as well as international membership. High-profile members such as Tom Ennis, founder of Coaltarfreeusa.com and ASMA-USA’s newly elected Director of DOT, Specifications & Governmental/Regulatory Affairs lend substantial credibility to ASMA-USA’s mission. Their focus is not only awareness but to also raise the bar on sealcoat’s environmental impact.

It’s right there in ASMA’s mission statement… ASMA-USA “was formed with the expressed objective for promoting the use of asphalt emulsion-based sealcoats for the preservation and protection of asphalt surfaces, with a special emphasis on safeguarding human and environmental health. The mission of ASMA-USA is to advance asphalt emulsion-based sealcoating for pavement preservation through the full utilization of advancements in materials, equipment, while keeping the impact on the human and environment to an absolute minimum.”

Other elected officers include Vice President Carl Reed (Asphalt Coatings Engineering), Treasurer Larry Mechem (RaynGuard Protective Materials), Dir. Northeast Richard Williams (Dark Force Sealcoat Distributing), Dir. Southeast Jason Weaver (EcoShield Asphalt Products), Dir. Mid-South Martha Moore (Seal-Tite of Arklahoma), Dir. Midwest John Schneider (Mix-Tek Pavement Solution) and Dir. West Cliff Cooper (Pacific Sealcoat Distributors).”

Fore more information, please contact Sara Weaver.

The post “ASMA-USA Emerges Stronger Than Ever” appeared first on Ecoshield Asphalt.

Benefits of Sealcoating

Why sealcoat? There are several benefits of this application and when done with an environmentally friendly product, it not only protects your asphalt pavement but protects the environment as well.

1. Regular sealcoating extends the lifespan of the pavement and reduces long term repair costs.

2. Sealcoating provides a protective layer to keep out water, UV rays from the sun and vehicle fluids such as oil and gasoline.

3. As it is exposed to the elements, asphalt pavement fades over time. Sealcoating makes pavement look and wear like new again.

4. Sealcoating increases the melting process of any ice, frost or snow to protect against damage from water penetration, frost damage or snow damage.

5. Sealcoating protects asphalt from oils and gasoline that could soften and damage the asphalt over time.

6. Seal coated pavement is easier to clean because the sealcoat provides a smoother surface than plain asphalt.

7. Sealcoating slows the oxidation process. Oxidation causes deterioration of asphalt, making it brittle and more prone to cracks, breaks and the formation of holes and other defects.

8. Sealcoating saves money. The expense of regular sealcoating is far less than the expense of repaving. Sealcoating extends the lifespan of asphalt, making the need to repave less frequent.

So, why sealcoat? It has tremendous benefits by protecting the asphalt from the elements, oxidation and wear and tear. When an environmentally friendly sealcoat is used such as Pitch Black, it also protects the environment. Pitch Black is non-toxic and safe for the environment and the people exposed to it. Traditional sealcoat can contain caustic and carcinogenic ingredients that are harmful to human health and the environment. Frequently repaving is also detrimental to the environment as the process generates particulate matter that is harmful to surrounding ecosystems as well. When you need a sealcoat provider to keep your asphalt in good condition, choose EcoShield, your local manufacturer of Pitch Black sealcoat.

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1. Faded line striping – Sunlight exposure fades lines, arrows and other painted markings on your pavement. You might do well to set aside budget for re-striping the lot once the summer heat and intense sunlight is over for the year.

2. Tracking – Asphalt can withstand high temperatures to a degree. However, a particularly sweltering day (or several) can soften the asphalt’s surface layer to the extent that granules of it begin to stick to car tires and even the bottom of shoes.

3. Weakened pavement – UV rays from the sun and water together can cause weakening of the asphalt. This leads to cracks, uneven surfaces and the formation of potholes that can damage cars.

4. Water infiltration – If you notice standing water on your pavement after a rainstorm that doesn’t drain away, this is cause for concern. Your drainage system should drain away all the excess water. Standing water on your pavement can lead to or indicate water infiltration, which can damage the asphalt foundation below.

The best defense for how summer heat impacts your commercial lot is preparation. Preparing for the summer heat by filling cracks, repairing damaged areas and applying protective sealcoating to keep water out and protect your asphalt is key. Commercial lots are expensive to repave and it’s much more cost effective to anticipate the potential damage that can be caused during the summer season and protect your lot’s asphalt before the brutal summer hits. If you have questions about protecting your commercial parking lot from the summer heat, call EcoShield!

The post How Summer Heat Impacts Your Commercial Parking Lot appeared first on Ecoshield Asphalt.

1. Seals in asphalt oils
2. Seals out water/moisture
3. Seals out UV radiation
4. Provides a non-slip surface
5. Asbestos-free
6. Non-carcinogenic
7. Non-flammable
8. Non-toxic and has no materials hazardous to human health or the environment
9. Environmentally-friendly and safe for diverse and protected ecosystems
10. Dries quickly with a deep, long-lasting black color that doesn’t easily fade
11. Works well with oil-based or water-based striping paint
12. Easy to clean up with water
13. Can be applied to new asphalt sooner than traditional coal tar
14. Can be applied to a wide variety of spaces
15. Prolongs the life of asphalt pavement
16. Fills in pavement voids and cracks
17. Non-tracking on shoes or tires
18. Protects your investment in your asphalt surfaces
19. Easy to apply with a spray or squeegee application
20. More durable and lasts longer than coal tar sealcoating

Pitch Black is a safe alternative to harmful and toxic coal tar sealcoating. It is safe for the environment and safe for human health. It doesn’t track into homes or indoor spaces and stays outdoors where it is applied. Western states have been using Pitch Black for nearly 40 years with amazing results that last longer and protect local ecosystems. EcoShield is your local manufacturer of Pitch Black emulsion sealcoat. Have questions? We have answers. Let us protect your asphalt, your people and your environment with Pitch Black!

The post The Benefits of Using Pitch Black Sealcoat appeared first on Ecoshield Asphalt.

From Governor Hochul’s website:

“Governor Kathy Hochul today signed a package of legislation to protect public health and the environment and address harmful pollutants in New York State. Legislation S.2936a/A.5029a prohibits the burning of grade 6 fuel oil in buildings. Legislation S.4095b/A.518a bans the use and sale of pavement products that contain coal tar.

“The harmful effects of climate change and pollution have only heightened the importance of protecting the well-being of New Yorkers and the preservation of our state’s environment,” Governor Hochul said. “This legislation takes important steps to ensure that New Yorkers have access to clean water and a breathable environment free of harmful pollutants.”

Legislation S.2936a/A.5029a will reduce the level of toxic air pollutants that are a result of burning grade 6 fuel oil in buildings. Grade 6 fuel oil contains high concentrations of contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, nitric oxide, sulfur dioxide, nickel, and black carbon that are released into the air when it is used to heat buildings. PAHs are proven human carcinogens, and sulfur dioxide and nitric oxide are known respiratory irritants. Studies show combustion of grade 6 fuel oil forms soot that when conveyed into the atmosphere create a source of air pollution and contribute to respiratory illness. Cost-effective alternatives for building heating are available in the market today to both reduce emissions and lower energy costs for building owners. The prohibition on the use of grade 6 fuel oil in buildings for heating goes into effect on July 1, 2023.

Assemblymember Amy Paulin said, “The climate crisis is rapidly accelerating, and so must our response. This legislation takes aim at one of the prime causes of climate change and extreme weather:  air pollution. Fuel oil grade number 6 releases extremely harmful pollutants into our air. We must take every step possible to make sure that the air we breathe is clean and contributes to life.  This law is a positive step in that direction. I thank Governor Hochul for signing this important legislation into law and for her commitment to protecting our health and the health of our environment.”

Legislation S.4095b/A.518a prohibits the use and sale of coal tar-based pavement sealants that contain benzo(a)pyrene and other similar carcinogenic PAHs which are harmful to wildlife and have been classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to increase cancer risks, particularly in children. Recent studies conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey have shown that while levels of most common environmental pollutants in waterways are consistently declining, levels of pollutants found in coal tar sealants are increasing. These carcinogens leach into soils and waterways through runoff, posing a toxic threat to these waterways and aquatic life. Chemicals associated with coal tar-based sealants that are known carcinogens, such as PAHs, have also been identified in house dust at alarming levels. Safer and more environmentally friendly pavement products, like asphalt-based pavement sealants, that contain PAHs in substantially lower concentrations (typically 50 ppm total PAH) are on the market and readily available. The prohibition on the sale of these products will begin Nov. 8, 2022. The ban on the use of pavement products containing coal tar starts Nov. 8, 2023.

Senator James Sanders Jr. said, “This new law will protect residents of Southeast Queens and all New Yorkers, especially children, and wildlife from the toxic effects of coal tar.”

Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal said, “After 10 long years of fighting, I am thrilled that my bill to ban coal tar-based sealants is finally law. Coal tar is bad for our health and our environment. It poses a grave danger to fish and aquatic wildlife, as well as children and pets, who are more likely to be exposed to chemicals in coal tar that settle near the ground. It’s beyond time that New York follow the lead of other municipalities that have already abandoned coal tar in favor of safer alternatives, such as asphalt-based sealants. Thank you to the environmental organizations that fought alongside me for years to see this bill finally become law.”

Senior Manager of Government Affairs for Riverkeeper Jeremy Cherson said, “Thank you Governor Hochul for signing legislation championed by Assemblymember Rosenthal and Senator Sanders to ban the toxic and carcinogenic coal tar based pavement sealants. This harmful fossil-fuel based product is applied to driveways, parking lots, and even playgrounds across the state. These sealants enter our waterways, poisoning wildlife and tracking into people’s homes, putting children at an elevated risk of toxic exposure. I thank our elected leaders for prioritizing clean water and public health by finally banning this toxic product and transitioning New York to less toxic, readily available alternatives.”

Coal Tar Free America’s Thomas Ennis said, “I am grateful for the persistence of the bill’s sponsors and advocates. This bill represents the real, annual reduction of millions of pounds of toxins which affect our children and the environment. It truly is a benefit to all!”

Director of Clean and Healthy New York Bobbi Wilding said, “Coal tar is known to cause cancer. Coal tar sealants also release high amounts of toxic PAHs, which harm workers, and contaminate our environment. Simply put, these toxic chemicals don’t belong on our driveways or roads. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for signing this bill into law, and thank you, bill sponsors Senator James Sanders, Jr. and Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal for this important to step to eliminate harmful fossil-fuel based toxics from New York communities. This law will make New York cleaner and healthier.”

Conservation & Development Program Manager for the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter Caitlin Ferrante said, “Dirty fossil fuels and their toxic byproducts disproportionately impact New York’s most disadvantaged communities, as inferior fuels and materials contribute to greater rates of asthma, cancers and neuropathies. By phasing out the burning of grade 6 heating oil and banning the use of coal tar in paving sealants, Governor Hochul and the Legislature are keeping two of the most persistent sources of pollution out of neighborhoods that have historically struggled with finding affordable, less toxic alternatives. This is a good day for clean air and water, and a good day for New York’s communities.”

# # #

The post “Governor Hochul Signs Package of Bills Prohibiting Use of ‘Grade 6’ Fuel Oil and Use of Pavement Products Containing Coal Tar” appeared first on Ecoshield Asphalt.

An excerpt:

Yarmouth has become the first municipality in Maine to ban the sale and use of coal tar sealant, which one conservation district commissioner likens to “toxic black paint.”

The Town Council approved the ban passed Dec. 16 ahead of a state measure going into effect Oct. 1, 2024. Yarmouth is the only municipality in Maine to pass the prohibition.

“The town felt that we wanted to be a little more aggressive in our enforcement of this new rule,” Town Engineer Steven Johnson said. “So we opted to do a local ban on the material sooner than that.”

Another excerpt:

“A black liquid sealant that is sprayed or painted onto pavement to improve its appearance, coal tar contains more than 200 types of a harmful chemicals known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs. Several of those hydrocarbons are human carcinogens and are harmful to waterways and aquatic life, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Friction from car tires can cause the seal coat to come off in small particles, which are then washed off by rain and carried down storm drains and into bodies of water. The particles can stick to tires, soles of shoes and feet and be carried elsewhere, where they can also be inhaled, the Geological Survey says.”

Check out the full article here.

Do you know about any bans in your area? Want to know more? Check out www.coaltarfreeamerica.com, www.asma-usa.org, or www.ecoshieldasphalt.com.

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