Reusing Creosoted Wood

Published: 2002

Author(s):
Gardner D. J.
Hoffard, T.
Pendleton, D.
Shi, S. Q.

Publication Name: The Military Engineer

Publication URL: https://scholar.google.ca/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=pY2EkFEAAAAJ&cstart=300&pagesize=100&citation_for_view=pY2EkFEAAAAJ:geHnlv5EZngC

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Abstract:

The deteriorated removes Navy some estimates wood 7,000 pilings that tons from of it removes some 7,000 tons of deteriorated wood pilings from its waterfront facilities every year. These and other wood componentschocks, wales, fender piles, decking components, and some bearing piles-are typically treated with creosote, a preservative chemical that imparts long-lasting protection against marine borers and fungal decay. Disposing of creosote-treated pilings often requires testing for Toxic Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP), they are put under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), before they are put in landfills. While to our knowledge no TCLP-tested creosote-treated wood has been considered a RCRA hazardous waste, such testing is costly. And so too is the purchase and treatment of new timber costly. The Navy’s Norfolk, Va. base estimates it spends over $1 million a year to replace