The treated wood industry is founded on conservation of the world's timber resources. Wood products treated with creosote resist insect infestation, water damage and decay, providing protection in high-decay environments. Because treated wood can last for decades, it decreases the demand on our nation's forests.

Creosote has been used to treat wood since the mid-19th century. It is the most widely used wood preservative in the United States. Creosote is an EPA registered pesticide that is used in a number of products in our everyday lives. In addition to railroad ties, creosote treated products are used for fence posts, marine pilings, boat docks, utility poles, telephone poles, landscape timbers and many other uses.

The Somerville Tie-treating plant was constructed by Ayer and Lord in 1897 and railroad ties were treated by contract for the Santa Fe Railroad under the name of Texas Tie and Lumber Preserving Company. The name was changed to Santa Fe Tie and Lumber Preserving Company on December 2, 1912. The Santa Fe Railway absorbed the subsidiary on June 2, 1950.

The treating process and equipment were automated when the facility was rebuilt in 1974. The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway sold the tie treating plant to Koppers Inc. in March 1995. The ATSF Railway merged with Burlington Northern in September 1995, and BNSF Railway remains a significant customer of the plant. At one time, the plant produced crossties, switch ties, bridge timbers and road crossing panels.

Presently, wood treatment is limited to crossties and switch ties. Creosote is the principal wood preservative that has been used throughout the history of the plant.

During the century that the plant has been operated, there has been significant development in understanding the manner in which industrial operations impact the environment. The wood treatment industry is no exception. As a result of historic operating practices, some environmental impact has occurred at the site. As EPA developed rules that applied to various components of the plant, steps were taken to comply with these regulations. These environmental impacts have been investigated extensively and are currently undergoing remediation. BNSF is working cooperatively with the TCEQ, pursuant to ongoing plans approved and monitored by the TCEQ.

The plant is certified by the International Organization for Standardization under ISO 14001. This certification process is voluntary and goes beyond the regulations established by the EPA and TCEQ. The goal of certification is to help organizations minimize their impact upon the environment, as well as comply with applicable laws and regulations.