Metal Migration from Douglas-fir Poles Treated with Ammoniacal Copper Zinc Arsenate According to Best Management Practices

IRG/WP 10-50272

J J Morrell, C S Love, C Freitag

The potential for migration of metal components from ammoniacal copper zinc arsenate treated (ACZA) poles was examined using pole sections treated using Best Management Practices. Copper and zinc levels were highest in runoff collected following the first rainfall events, then declined. Copper and zinc levels in runoff averaged 20 ppm and 5 pm respectively. The metal levels were then used to predict the amount of metal loss when poles were stacked in different configurations that altered exposed surface area. Tight stacking reduced total metal losses, although metal levels would still rise well above background within 150 mm of the surface beneath the poles if no dilution occurred into the surrounding soil. The results illustrate the potential for managing poles to reduce metal losses in storage.


Keywords: Douglas-fir, preservative migration, ammoniacal copper zinc arsenate, utility poles, copper, zinc

Conference: 10-05-09/13 Biarritz, France


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