Editing Utility pole (section)

==Environmental impact==
{{expand section|date=August 2012}}
[[File:Cigognes Vladeni Roumanie.jpg|thumb|[[White stork]]s (''Ciconia ciconia'') in their nest on a utility pole in rural Romania]]
Utility poles are used by birds for nesting and to rest on.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bird Nests on Power Poles |url=https://www.aplic.org/Nests |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=www.aplic.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Why Do Birds Sit On Power Lines? (Everything Explained) |url=https://birdfact.com/articles/why-do-birds-sit-on-power-lines |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=Birdfact |language=en}}</ref> Utility poles and related structures are regarded by some to be a form of [[visual pollution]]{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}}. Many lines are [[Undergrounding|placed underground]] for this reason, in places of high population density or scenic beauty that justify the expense. Architects design some pylons to be pretty, thus avoiding visual pollution{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}}.

Some chemicals used to preserve wood poles including [[creosote]] and [[pentachlorophenol]] are toxic and have been found in the environment{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}}.

The considerable improvement in weathering resistance offered by creosote infusion has long-term drawbacks. In recent years, concerns have been raised about the toxicity of creosote-treated wood waste, such as utility poles. Specifically, their biodegradation can release phenolic compounds in soil, which are considered toxic. Research continues to explore methods to render this waste safe for disposal.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Mateus |first1=E. |last2=Zrostlikova |first2=J. |last3=Gomes da Silva |first3=M.D.R |last4=Ribeiro |first4=A. |last5=Marriott |first5=P. |title=Electrokinetic removal of creosote from treated timber waste: a comprehensive gas chromatographic view |journal=Journal of Applied Electrochemistry |date=2010 |volume=40 |issue=6 |pages=1183–1193 |doi=10.1007/s10800-010-0089-7 |s2cid=97862454 }}</ref>

Historically, pole-mounted transformers were filled with a [[polychlorinated biphenyl]] (PCB) liquid. PCBs persist in the environment and have adverse effects on animals.