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fraud, a stolen or counterfeit stamp was used outside a regulated mill, according to the American Lumber Standards Committee

Others in the industry doubt the two small mills could produce the large volumes of mismarked timber uncovered, said The Seattle Times.

No falsely stamped lumber had been detected by ALSC spot checks, perhaps since most of it, resold by other wholesalers and retailers who never saw the wood, was shipped directly to and installed quickly by fast-working apartment contractors.

Mislabeled wood was found at about 40 construction sites, predominantly apartment complexes, but also a retirement home, athletic club and about six single family homes.

A few bogus stamped studs also made it to the shelves of retail yards. All unsold lumber was returned to B.B.M.

While suspect shipments varied widely in percentage of false stamps, often the outside pieces in a sling would be correctly graded, hiding the inferior wood inside, said The Seattle Times.

Investigations are continuing by (Please turn to page 37)

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