What is it?

These creosote-treated wood blocks once covered the roads of many streets in Norfolk in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  Creosote is an oily liquid that is a by-product when wood is burned. When reapplied to newly milled wood, the oil provides a preservative finish. Factories were located along the Elizabeth River that were dedicated to the production of creosote.  In 1963, a truck filled with a shipment of creosote ruptured and spilled its contents into the Elizabeth River, severely damageing the riverbottom with a layer of the oily liquid. Today, creosote wood paving can still be found underneath the asphalt paving in Ghent, where this photo was taken.

Things to ponder...

* Why would creosote factories be located along the banks of the Elizabeth River?

* Where do you think the wood was harvested for both the paving blocks and the production of creosote?

* Why would creosote be harmful to the Elizabeth River?

* Imagine what it would be like to work in a plant producing creosote.  What do you think it would be like?

Learn More!

* Click here for a Wikipedia article on creosote

* Read about the Living River Restoration Trust's river cleanup at Money Point here