Case Study: Coleman-Evans Wood Processing, Florida

From GeoClasses

Coleman-Evans Wood Processing Plant, Florida

by: Thomas Burnette

Coleman-Evans Wood Processing plant was a located in Whitehouse, Florida and was used to preserve wood by treating it. To treat the wood, they used the potentially toxic chemicals pentachlorophenol and dioxin. Pentachlorophenol can be a very helpful chemical because it protects wood from weathering. Electric companies, for example, save millions of dollars by treating their light poles with the substance because it can extend their usability for over twenty years. (Pentachlorophenol 1) Dioxin is produced when organic materials are burned in the presence of chlorine. In the case of the Coleman-Evans Wood Processing plant, it is likely that excess or unusable treated wood was burned. The burning releases dioxins because Pentachlorophenol is produced by the chlorination of phenol while another element acts as a catalyst. (Dioxin 1)

Unfortunately, this helpful chemical and its common byproduct are toxic to humans. Short-term exposure to large amounts of Pentachlorophenol can be harmful to our vital organs, immune system and especially the liver. (ToxFAQs 1) Dioxins build up in our fat tissues, are labeled as a probable carcinogen by the EPA and can cause a severe form of acne. These were released into the unwitting public’s groundwater by the wood treating company.

When the company had used water in the treatment process, they released it into a drainage ditch but it would end up in a local creek. This is bad enough, but the water from the creek would eventually overflow and spread the contaminants throughout the local community. The contaminated water then seeped into the ground where it could potentially pollute the groundwater that is pumped by the area’s wells. Due to the large, expensive, nature of the clean up process, the Environmental Protection Agency had to step in to clean it. They took steps to remove the large deposits of Pentachlorophenol and remove the contaminated soil from the area. They also put up a fence to keep children from playing in the contaminated area. (Gaillard 1) Because of the agencies actions large scale effects from the pollution have yet to be felt.

Image Gallery Ukrainian President Victor Yuschenco suffering from Chloracne, a disease caused by excess exposure to dioxins. Chemical Structure of Pentachlorophenol

Chart of Average Daily Dioxin Consumption by Americans Image of cleanup at Coleman-Evans wood processing site

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