UPDATE AT&T announced it has successfully completed the removal of lead-clad cables from Lake Tahoe, marking a significant environmental milestone, according to SFGATE. The effort culminated years of work by environmental groups, regulators, and AT&T itself to address the hazard posed by these abandoned cables. The project was hailed as a victory by Laura Patten, natural resource director for the League to Save Lake Tahoe, who described the achievement as emotional and vital for preserving the lake’s iconic clarity and health.
The cables, remnants of obsolete telecommunications infrastructure, were discovered in 2012 by scuba divers. Stretching eight miles, they contained lead encased in steel, but sections had frayed over time, potentially releasing toxic lead into Lake Tahoe’s waters, according to SFGATE. One cable lay at the mouth of Emerald Bay, while the other ran along the west shore toward Rubicon Bay.
The removal process was complex and time-sensitive, SFGATE reported. Crews worked in 12-hour shifts, seven days a week, to complete the operation before winter storms made conditions impossible. Despite delays caused by high winds, the work was finished on November 17.
The project was spearheaded by Below the Blue, the League to Save Lake Tahoe, and AT&T, with the latter leading the physical removal. The League acted as an environmental watchdog, coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies to secure permits and ensure compliance.
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