Assessing the environmental impact of utility pole types: leachability and disposal of PCP and CCA from treated wood poles

Wood poles, such as those used in electric transmission lines, are treated with preservatives to protect the poles’ structural integrity in the face of insect, fungal and environmental challenges. While extending the lifespan of the pole, these preservatives—the most important being chromated copper arsenate (CCA) and pentachlorophenol (PCP) mixtures—may leach into the surrounding environment/soil. Due to the toxicity of CCA and PCP, and their breakdown products, it is imperative to clearly understand how these contaminants can leach into areas surrounding the wood poles and what happens to the contaminants once in the environment. This project will develop the methodologies to sample active sites from the FortisBC service area and retired used wood poles, quantify and speciate the amounts of contaminants in the areas, and evaluate potential methods for contaminant remediation, providing FortisBC with the tools to make informed decisions about the use of treated wood poles.

Faculty Supervisor:

Wesley Zandberg;Robert Godin

Student:

Partner:

FortisBC Inc

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Manufacturing; Utilities

University:

The University of British Columbia - Okanagan

Program: