Between October and December, EPV Alueverkko has carried out replacement works on 110 kV transmission line pole bases along the Peräseinäjoki–Alavus–Kuortane–Alajärvi route. The project involves removing 50 old creosote-treated pole bases and replacing them with new ones treated with copper oil and salts. The project forms part of EPV’s annual biodiversity action programme.
The pole bases are being replaced because creosote is harmful to both the environment and human health. Creosote is a distillate of coal tar and consists of hundreds of different compounds.
Creosote contains, among other things, carcinogenic PAH compounds and can cause skin burns if it remains in long-term contact with human skin. It is classified as highly toxic to aquatic life.
Focus on minimising environmental impact
Over time, creosote can evaporate or leach from the surface of the poles, potentially causing environmental harm. According to Joni Salmenautio, Maintenance Manager at EPV Alueverkko, replacing the pole bases is an effective way to prevent harmful compounds from entering the natural environment.
Another important aspect of the project is that the old pole bases can be recycled in an environmentally friendly way. The creosote poles are transported to the recycling terminal in Tuulos, Hämeenlinna, where they are processed properly and sustainably.
“It is essential that the handling of the replaced pole bases is carried out correctly all the way until recycling is completed. This ensures that potential environmental impacts are minimised even after the pole bases have been taken out of use,” Salmenautio says.
Due to environmental and health risks, the use of creosote is now strictly limited to certain industrial sectors and professional applications. Salmenautio notes that other major energy companies, such as Fingrid, have also sought to eliminate the use of creosote entirely, for example as a preservative in transmission line poles.
“Although the use of creosote-treated pole bases is still permitted, we at EPV Alueverkko have chosen to proactively begin phasing out the substance. The old and partially decayed pole bases offer a good opportunity to do so. Alternative preservatives such as copper oil and salts do not have the same harmful environmental effects as creosote.”
Sustainable and efficient electricity transmission
Replacing creosote-treated poles has already been part of EPV Alueverkko’s normal operations for many years. Pole bases have been replaced gradually as they reach the end of their service life.
What makes the ongoing project exceptional is the unusually large number of pole bases being replaced at once, as typically only a few dozen are replaced annually. Salmenautio describes the project as offering dual benefits: it supports biodiversity while also contributing to EPV Alueverkko’s business operations.
“Thanks to the project, we significantly reduce the load on the local environment and the exposure to harmful compounds. These projects are important also to our customers and owners. The new pole bases will ensure efficient electricity transmission far into the future.”