For the disposal of chemically treated wood waste and for the remedial treatment of contaminated soils in facility yards a profound knowledge is required concerning the kind of preservatives used and the degree of pollution. In order to record the production of wood preservatives and the location of impregnation plants in the former GDR, documents of the Office for Standardisation Measuring Affairs, and Products Testing (Amt für Standardisierung, Meßwesen und Warenprüfung, ASMW) were evaluated. During the period of 1970-1988 annually ca 15,200 to of wood preservatives were produced, thereof 1/3 water soluble salts and 2/3 oilbased products and biocides in LOS, and annually about 1.5 mil m³ of wood were impregnated. The records revealed that environmental relevant substances such as arsenate, pentachlorophenol (PCP) and DDT were used in the former GDR. The present situation of impregnation plants involves special problems, as the majority of the up to now recorded vacuum pressure- and dipping devices showed a desolate condition since in the time of GDR. These plants run over a longer period, therefore soil contamination is to be expected at many of the locations. Corresponding investigations at the different locations will show to what extent redevelopment measures are necessary.

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