Subd. 1. Definitions.

The following terms have the meanings given.

1. (a) "Coal tar sealant product" means a surface applied sealing product containing coal tar, coal tar pitch, coal tar pitch volatiles, or any variation assigned the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number 65996-93-2, 65996-89-6, or 8007-45-2.
2. (b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency.

Subd. 2. Use prohibited.

Except as provided in subdivision 4, a person shall not apply coal tar sealant products on asphalt-paved surfaces.

Subd. 3. Sale prohibited.

Except as provided in subdivision 4, a person shall not sell a coal tar sealant product that is formulated or marketed for application on asphalt-paved surfaces.

Subd. 4. Exemptions.

1. (a) The commissioner may exempt a person from this section if the commissioner determines that one or both of the following apply:

   1. (1) the person is researching the effects of a coal tar sealant product on the environment; or
   2. (2) the person is developing an alternative technology and the use of a coal tar sealant product is required for research or development.
2. (b) A request for exemption must be made to the commissioner in writing, including an explanation of why the exemption is needed for research or the development of an alternative technology.

Subd. 5. Compliance and enforcement.

Local units of government may adopt by reference and enforce the provisions of this section. The commissioner may provide technical support to local units of government for compliance and enforcement of this section. The commissioner may respond to compliance and enforcement cases transcending jurisdictional boundaries, cases requiring statewide corrective actions, or requests for assistance or referral from local units of government.