EPA Says USA Today Report on CCA-Treated Wood Ban Premature

Danielle Jackson

Washington, D.C. -- The USA Today on Thursday incorrectly reported that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and representatives of the wood preservative industry are close to reaching a deal to phase out wood preserved with chromated copper arsenate (CCA).

The article stated that the United States wil phase out production of CCA-treated wood in the next two to three years under a pending federal agreement. But according to David Deegan of the EPA's public relations office, the statement is premature. Deegan contends that the EPA currently is meeting with industry representatives to discuss regulations but has no details or definite courses of action. It could be a matter of weeks before a decision is reached, and even that timeframe remains questionable, Deegan told Waste Age.

Environmental groups have been trying to ban CCA-treated wood in building and playground structures because it includes arsenic, a known carcinogen.