Timber Preservation Chemicals Volume 1a - Final Report
Report No DWI0450

OCT 1988

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction and Objectives

In June 1987, Consultants in Environmental Sciences Ltd (CES) were commissioned by the DoE to undertake research studies into the use of timber preservative chemicals and deicing agents. The study of timber preservatives was 14 months duration while the programme for the glycol study comprised 12 months. Both studies were completed in July 1988.

The objectives of the timber preservative study are:

1. to investigate and confirm the types and quantities of wood preservatives produced and/or applied in the UK excluding organotin compounds, and to identify the major sources and occurrence of these substances in waters and waste waters;

2. to evaluate the potential losses to the environment from both timber preservation and subsequent supplementary treatment;

3. to predict the likely behaviour of these chemicals in water and waste water treatment; and

4. to review current UK and EC legislation, guidelines and codes of practice, and recommend realistic measures to minimise environmental contamination.

Copies of this report may be available as an Acrobat pdf download under the 'Find Completed Research' heading on the DWI website.