Using preservative treated wood for timber structures in aquatic and sensitive environments

Abstract

Timber structures located near water and sensitive environments face increased threats of deterioration from decay fungi, marine borers and insects. These include bridges, bulkheads, piers, docks, foundation pilings and other structures. Preservative treated timber products have a long history of providing creative, economical and sustainable design options for such structures featuring effective protection against such threats. Concerns about the potential impacts of the wood preservatives on the environment can be addressed through a systematic approach of evaluating risks, utilizing applicable mitigating measures and managing aspects of the timber product selection, preservative choice and installation. The U.S. wood treating industry has developed a number of tools to guide preservative selection for such projects based on the specific conditions, including an online Environmental Assessment Model and a Best Management Practices program. When these measures are properly considered on a project-basis, there is a high probability that the preserved timber will have a long service life and potential risks will be minimal and manageable for environmentally safe use.