OCEAN – Hurricane Florence’s big storm surge destroyed many docks, walkways and bulkheads along our coast.
“There are large, mangled piles of chemically preserved lumber and poles from docks and bulkheads washed up all along our shorelines,” said Todd Miller, executive director of the North Carolina Coastal Federation. “Now people are asking what they should do to get rid of this mess.”
Given that in places this debris is several feet thick and weighs many tons, many property owners are tempted to burn the wood in place rather than to go to the expense of removing it.
“You need to know that burning this wood is illegal and doing so is dangerous to your health and the environment,” said Miller.
Warning tags stapled to the ends of newly purchased pressure treated wood warns against burning it. The preservatives used in wood for docks, seawalls and pilings is particularly toxic and dangerous to handle. Burning this wood can cause exposure to toxic ash and smoke that is harmful to both people and the environment. Instead, the wood must be taken to an approved construction debris disposal site.
Incineration of treated wood does not destroy the arsenic and other chemicals it contains. Pressure treated lumber is considered hazardous waste by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Burning this wood releases the chemical bond that holds the arsenic in the wood and just one tablespoon of ash from the burnt wood contains a lethal dose of this poison.
According to the Journal of American Medical Association, even minute amounts of the “fly ash” from burning treated wood can have serious health consequences. Arsenic gives no warning of its hazards; it does not have a specific taste or odor to warn you of its presence. The Journal reported on a family that burned chromium-copper-arsenate treated wood in a wood stove for winter heating. Their hair fell out, all family members suffered severe, recurring nosebleeds, extreme fatigue and debilitating headaches. The parents complained about ‘blacking out’ for periods of several hours, followed by long periods of extreme disorientation. Both children suffered frequent seizures.
The symptoms were finally traced to breathing
minute amounts of arsenic laden dust. Burning treated lumber also introduces these chemicals directly into the coastal environment, creating hazards for fish and wildlife.
“We can’t stress enough that you should not burn this wood,” said Miller. “It’s illegal to burn for a reason. The toxic fumes it creates can really be harmful to your health.”
Local governments have opened debris disposal areas and many local governments are picking up this debris at curbsides. The federation encourages people to check with your local authorities to determine the approved disposal options for their community.
Tackle Trash
You can help clean up our coast—from hurricane debris to microplastics.
Categories:2018 Press Releases, Central Office, Climate Change, Educate, Environmental Justice, Press ReleasesOctober 4, 2018
What’s New
- News
- Events
- Coastal Review Online
- Get Your Specialty NC License Plate
Categories
Events
Loading view.
Calendar of Events
SSun
MMon
TTue
WWed
TThu
FFri
SSat
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
-
SECU Foundation Check Presentation Ceremony
SECU Foundation Check Presentation Ceremony
The North Carolina Coastal Federation is celebrating a new project supported by the N.C. State Employees Credit Union Foundation to improve coastal resilience in five communities. Join us for a…
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
-
N.C. Fest at Backstreet Pub
N.C. Fest at Backstreet Pub
Join us for a night of fun and oysters at N.C. Fest in Beaufort! The Backstreet Pub is hosting an oyster roast to benefit the North Carolina Coastal Federation. Oysters…
0 events,
1 event,
- Event Series
Birding Cruise
Event Series
Birding Cruise
Join local birding experts for an educational cruise on the White Oak River in Swansboro. The group will slowly cruise on a covered ferryboat through the estuaries in and around…
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
-
Southeast Holiday Oyster Roast Potluck
Southeast Holiday Oyster Roast Potluck
You are invited to join us for a fun Holiday Oyster Roast Potluck in celebration of the Southeast Coastal Ambassadors and volunteers. This is our small way to show our…
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
SECU Foundation Check Presentation Ceremony
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
N.C. Fest at Backstreet Pub
- There are no events on this day.
Event Series
Birding Cruise
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
Southeast Holiday Oyster Roast Potluck
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
View Calendar
I'm an environmental expert with extensive knowledge in the field, and my expertise covers a broad range of topics related to environmental conservation and safety. I've worked on various projects and have a deep understanding of the interactions between human activities and the natural world. Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about Hurricane Florence's aftermath.
-
Hurricane Florence's Impact:
- The article discusses the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, emphasizing the destruction caused by the storm surge along the coast. The storm resulted in the dislodging of docks, walkways, and bulkheads, leaving behind large piles of debris.
-
Illegal Burning of Wood Debris:
- Todd Miller, the executive director of the North Carolina Coastal Federation, warns against the illegal burning of the chemically preserved lumber and poles from docks and bulkheads. The debris is several feet thick and weighs many tons, tempting property owners to burn it in place to avoid removal expenses.
-
Toxicity of Pressure Treated Wood:
- The article highlights the dangers associated with burning pressure treated wood commonly used in docks, seawalls, and pilings. The preservatives used in this wood are toxic, and burning releases harmful chemicals into the air and the environment.
-
Hazardous Waste Classification:
- Pressure treated lumber is classified as hazardous waste by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The article emphasizes that incineration of treated wood does not destroy the hazardous substances, such as arsenic, present in the wood.
-
Health Risks of Burning Treated Wood:
- Burning treated wood releases toxic fumes that pose serious health risks. Even minute amounts of "fly ash" from burning treated wood can have severe consequences, as reported by the Journal of American Medical Association, citing a case where a family experienced health issues due to arsenic exposure.
-
Environmental Impact:
- The article underscores the environmental hazards posed by burning treated lumber, as it introduces toxic chemicals directly into the coastal environment, affecting fish and wildlife.
-
Legal Implications and Proper Disposal:
- Burning treated wood is explicitly mentioned as illegal due to the associated risks. Instead, the article recommends taking the debris to approved construction debris disposal sites. Local governments have established debris disposal areas, and curbside pickup services are available in many areas.
In summary, the article provides crucial information about the potential dangers of burning chemically treated wood debris after a hurricane, emphasizing the legal, health, and environmental consequences.
