Protection of the quality of water and the diversity of life forms found in lakes, streams, estuaries, bays and wetlands environments of Canada is a goal and responsibility shared by the Canadian wood treating industry. A variety of activities can impact these sensitive environments: storm water runoff, exhaust from boats and cars, municipal and industry discharges, and construction of homes, dock and piers. It is everyone’s responsibility to maintain the quality of our water resources.

Pressure treated wood is a building material mostly used to construct piers, docks, buildings, walks and decks used in or over aquatic and wetland environments. The pressure treated wood products industry is committed to assuring its products are manufactured and installed in a responsible manner that minimizes any potential for adverse impacts to these important environments.

The Western Wood Preservers Institute (WWPI), Wood Preservation Canada (WPC), the Southern Pressure Treaters’ Association (SPTA) and the Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA) have developed two documents to guide consumers with the use of treated wood in aquatic and wetland environments.

Treated Wood in Aquatic Environments

Best Management Practices

Use the online Environmental Assessment Modelling Tool to evaluate the potential impacts of using preserved wood in or above water.