Wood Poles

Under the research program for the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) titled, “Environmental Distribution of Organic Substances at Utility Sites,” GEI studied the distribution of PCP and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) around in-service utility poles. This multi-year effort was designed to provide EPRI and its members with an empirically structured, statistical database on the concentrations of PCP and TPH in soils around both transmission and distribution poles.

An intensive field sampling effort was completed covering most states and soil types across the United States. A radial sampling grid with three depth intervals, which typically included 48 sample points, was used at up to 180 wood pole sites.GEI worked with other EPRI contractors to scout sites, conduct the sampling, and perform the analyses. Attenuation and biodegradation tests were conducted using soil samples from the vicinity of each pole. Results of the program are reported through EPRI journals and technical reports.