Q We have a new utility pole installed by Xcel. It smells fruity in good weather; in bad weather, it just smells. What is that smell? Is it toxic?
A Wood utility poles are treated to protect them from fungus and insects, according to Patti Nystuen, an Xcel Energy spokeswoman. A treated wood pole will last, on average, 55 years.
In Xcel Energy's Minnesota territory, nearly 95 percent of the poles are treated with a solvent containing pentachlorophenol (penta). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that penta-treated poles pose no significant adverse risk to humans or the environment.
New poles occasionally have an unpleasant odor that is attributed to the treatment. Nystuen says the odor comes from a carrier oil that is part of the treatment solvent, not the penta.
"Within the last year," she said, "we have received a few isolated complaints of unusually strong odors from newly installed poles. We have traced the problem to a bad batch of the treatment solution affecting just a small number of poles. The odor, although unpleasant, is not harmful and will dissipate in time. Xcel Energy is working with the affected residents to resolve the situation." Xcel is now considering only suppliers that use a different solvent in treating utility poles.
Old financial records Q My parents died within the past two years. How long do we keep their records? They sold their house four years ago and had no other assets other than money and an annuity. Both were on Medicare and supplemental insurance.
A The Internal Revenue Service has several limitations on when it can review tax returns. Generally it must do so within three years from when a tax return is filed. In certain situations, however, the limitation is extended to six years and, in the case of fraud, there is no limitation. To ease confusion, the agency recommends that you retain records for six years.
John Barghini, certified public accountant, Hansen, Jergenson, Nergaard & Co., Minneapolis
