In November 2024, 6+ miles of inactive lead cables were removed from the waters of Lake Tahoe forever - but there’s still a little more work to be done.
For over 70 years, lead-clad telecommunication cables ran alongside the southwestern corner or Lake Tahoe. Decommissioned in the 1980s, they were left to languish in the water while legal ownership remained in question. In 2020, members of the community started writing letters, and in 2024 many more joined in calling for removal.
In addition to supporting existing efforts, our community-driven contingency plan engaged all 7 government agencies required to authorize removal. As momentum picked up throughout the community, petition signatures grew, more parties got involved, and media covered developments along the way, the consensus became clear: get the lead out. And that’s exactly what happened.
The length of these cables spanned nearly 10% of the Lake Tahoe shoreline. From South Lake Tahoe to Rubicon Bay, they crossed the mouth of world famous Emerald Bay. The last remaining portion remains under the sands of Baldwin Beach, and we’re intent to ensure its removed.
The visible deterioration of the outer casing affirmed that this was the appropriate course of action. The parties engaged in litigation and their scientific experts disagreed on the precise amount of lead leaching out for years. The EPA set the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal for lead in drinking water at zero. Leaving these cables in place was not a risk worth taking.
AT&T engaged top marine engineering firm J.F. Brennan to extract the lead cables. Over the course of a few weeks, they lifted, cut, and disposed of sections spanning 6+ miles. Their fleet of vessels and experienced track record demonstrated the stature and importance of this work.
The removal of these lead cables after years of community advocacy proves that breakthrough environmental initiatives can be achieved locally. There are many complex issues in our world, but this was never one of them. We’re grateful that all sides aligned on the right course of action to preserve Lake Tahoe for generations to come.
We’re in full support of all previous commitments to remove the remaining portion of the lead cables on Baldwin Beach. Let’s get this done together.
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