Groundline bandages are an important element in remedial treatment strategies for utility poles in the United States. Several bandages containing new or reformulated components have recently been developed but have not been adequately tested. This paper reports on the degree of diffusion of copper naphthenate, boron, and sodium fluoride from groundline bandages into pressuretreated Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine, and western redcedar transmission poles that have been in service for several years. All components diffused well into the wood over the 2 year test period, although the degree of diffusion varied between components. Amine-based copper naphthenate diffused to a higher degree than did oil-based copper naphthenate. Boron and sodium fluoride moved to the greatest extent and continued to increase in concentration during the second year. The results were comparable to similar tests in untreated pole stubs and indicated that these new bandages should perform well in most Western United States pole species which had received a primary preservative treatment.

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