History

Wood: A great idea… in 1850.

Wood utility pole issues:

• Average life, 20-50 years depending on location
• Typical wood coatings:
  • Creosote (OSHA-restricted carcinogen)
  • Pentachlorophenol (EU-banned)
  • Copper Naphthenate (Indoor use restricted)
  • CCA, Chromate Copper Arsenate (EPA-restricted)

Weight issues:

• Anywhere from 800 to 1200lbs per pole
• Higher deployment/erection costs
• Location issues/Right-of-way

Timber industry issues:

• Average US forest density: 120 trees/acre
• Average Yellow Pine growth rate: 2’/yr â—¦ Overall cost/Life cycle cost
• Average cost of a single pole: $1K
• Average landed cost, after preparation, shipping, installation:
  • Wood: $6-8K
  • Steel (for comparison): $16-18K