What's That Smell from New Utility Poles?
Some Seattle City Light customers have noticed a strange odor coming from recently replaced wood
utility poles in their neighborhoods. The source of the odor is the pole treatment compound Seattle
City Light uses to protect against insects and decay and extend the useful life of the pole.
Treatment of the poles involves dipping the wood in a solution of copper naphthenate dissolved
in diesel fuel. The poles are allowed to dry at the treatment facility before shipment to City
Light, but some residual diesel fuel remains. As the residual diesel fuel evaporates, it can
cause strong odors, especially on hot days.
Seattle City Light was one of the first utilities in the United States to use poles treated
with copper naphthenate. It has proven to be effective.
Using copper naphthenate is by far the most environmentally preferable option available for
treating utility poles. It is the only major wood treatment compound and pesticide for utility
poles that is not restricted for use by the Environmental Protection Agency. Other treatments
or alternatives have negative aspects ranging from cancer causing chemicals such as chromated
copper arsenate to exorbitant costs when steel poles are used.
Without treatment, utility poles don't last as long, and they can be hazardous if in poor
condition. Untreated poles add to the utility's operating and maintenance costs and increase
the risk of failure. Pole failures cause power outages and pose hazards to life safety and
City Light recognizes that the odor can be bothersome for a short period of time. We always
are on the lookout for improvements to our wood preservation methods, including ways to
reduce odor without reducing the effectiveness of the preservative treatment. We appreciate
our customers' understanding and patience while the odors from the recently replaced utility
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the odor?
It smells like diesel fuel, which is used as a carrier in the copper naphthenate solution
Seattle City Light treats wood utility poles with to protect them against insects and decay.
Why use diesel fuel?
The firms we purchase poles from perform a wood preservative treatment process on the poles.
That process involves mixing copper napthenate (the active wood preservative ingredient)
with diesel fuel. The diesel fuel helps the copper napthenate penetrate deeper into the wood.
In other words, it carries the copper napthenate deeper into the wood for greater preservative
protection and longer pole life.
Will the smell ever go away?
Yes, once the diesel fuel in the pole treatment solution dissipates. It's impossible to say
exactly how long an odor can last. Warmer weather speeds the release of the diesel fuel.
Are there any health issues associated with the fumes coming off of the pole?
No. It smells bad, but diesel is a relatively benign substance. There is more danger going
to the gas station and inhaling gasoline fumes while you fill your car's gas tank.
Why does Seattle City Light use such a smelly material?
Copper naphthenate is the most environmentally preferable option available for protecting
wood utility poles against insects and decay. Other treatments can involve chemicals that
pose a cancer risk or are restricted by the Environmental Protection Agency.