PCPs - pentachlorophenols and pentachlorophenates

Pentachlorophenol has long been used in the chemical treatment for the preservation of timbers. Pentachorophenate was used as an anti-sapstain fungicide for the temporary protection of sawn timber and this was often in conjunction with Boron treatment. This is an aqueous phase process and was used widely.

Over many years timber mill sites developed large quantities of PCP contaminated waste as a result of the historical use of PCPs. This included contamination of soils, sludges, sawdust, groundwaters and the treated timber products themselves.

Since the 1980's the use of PCPs has now stopped in most developed countries, however the wastes remain on many operational and disused mill sites.

PCP waste in the environment are usually found in situations such as:

• contaminated soils
• area around dip tanks
• sludges from dip tanks
• sediment from treatment ponds
• impregnated timber
• contaminated surfaces and groundwater
• unused chemical formulations
  

The levels of contamination will vary widely depending upon the source of the waste.

As with all hazardous substances, extreme care must be taken when using and handling PCP's.  Refer to our module on PCB's and use the guidelines for personal protection, safe practices, handling and transportation.

Tredi has portable technologies suitable for on site treatment of large volumes of low contamination waste such as soils, so that the resulting small quantities high concentration contaminants can then be shipped to Tredi Saint-Vulbas for incineration.

Tredi has many years experience in managing site decontamination projects and can offer clients engineering expertise together with the analytical services by Tredi Saint-Vulbas to identify and scope the problem.

For more information contact Boyne Drummond