Can damaged utility poles be chipped and used for mulch or bedding, or as fire wood?
No. The law prohibits utility poles from being used as mulch, bedding or fire wood. Damaged poles must be disposed of in an approved landfill or combustion facility, or repaired and/or reused by the utility companies. 4. Can a processor sell wood chips from wood treated with creosote (such as railroad ties or utility poles) to be burned as fuel in a Department approved facility? Yes. The facility requires a Part 360 permit. If the processing happens on a railroad property or utilities property they do not need a Part 360 permit. The facility burning the fuel requires a case-specific BUD. 5. Will it be permissible to reuse the railroad ties, utility poles or other creosote-containing products for other purposes such as landscaping, retaining walls, etc., on or after January 1, 2008? No. After January 1, 2008 the law explicitly prohibits creosote or products containing creosote from being used or sold. Railroad ties, utility poles, or materials that are treated with or otherwise contain
