Lead still in the lake?

Since December 2024, we've known that there was still work to be done on Baldwin Beach to get the lead fully out. As reported across media sources the lead was out of the water - but it still remained under the sands of Baldwin Beach. This part of the removal is more complicated, as rather than lifting from a barge the lead cable needs to be hand dug and excavated.

Ahead of our June 28 event, we conducted a walkthrough of Baldwin Beach with a professional survey company. We were quite surprised to find not only was the cable in the sand - but the cable was still in the water!

This shocking fact stands in start contrast to the public reporting on removal. While the section in the water pales in comparison to the miles that resided for decades, its still lead in the water. How can there be lead in the water when everyone was told the removal was "complete"?

This also creates a new issue - a potential hazard to public recreation. The cable is not only visible, but its in the shallow waters where people swim.

We are supportive of signage that clearly cautions the public. This would be consistent with other signage for environmentally-focused projects on Baldwin Beach. The fact that there isn't a sign already leads us to consider the possibility that this section of the lead cable was exposed by weather, as we find it hard to believe it was left this way in November.

We're still digesting the far reaching implications of this development. Please note we have already reached out to both USFS and TRPA to flag this situation. As we were already intent on seeing removal through to completion on Baldwin Beach, this development doesn't alter our path. It does however add to our urgency, and affirm the need for transparency with the public.