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Removal of Toxic Cables from Lake Tahoe Marks Environmental Victory

For decades, Lake Tahoe harbored neglected, lead-covered telephone cables that posed potential environmental risks. Now, after lengthy legal negotiations, these hazardous remnants have been successfully extracted from the lake’s depths.

The discovery of these cables dates back to 2012 when scuba divers encountered them lying on the lakebed. The cables—composed of copper wires encased in lead—were originally installed in the early 20th century, around the 1920s, coinciding with the expansion of telephone services in the United States. As telecommunications evolved, newer technologies replaced these cables, leaving the outdated infrastructure to languish underwater.

Over the years, the cables endured damage from boating activity, leading to concerns from health and environmental advocates about the leaching of lead into the surrounding waters. Lake Tahoe is not only a favored recreation spot but also a vital drinking water source for many local residents.

The origin of these cables remains somewhat unclear. However, it is widely believed they were originally installed by Bell Systems, a precursor to AT&T. Following growing concerns over potential contamination, the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance initiated legal action against AT&T in 2021, seeking the removal of the cables.

A comprehensive investigation by the Wall Street Journal in 2023 revealed that similar abandoned lead-covered cables exist throughout the country. Environmental testing conducted near Lake Tahoe indicated alarmingly high lead levels—one sample showing concentrations over 2,500 times the EPA’s recommended limits.

While AT&T contested claims about the cables’ environmental safety, asserting that their tests showed no public health risk, the company agreed to perform the removal as part of a settlement.

Cable Removal Operations

This past fall, AT&T employed J.F. Brennan Co., a specialized marine contractor, to undertake the removal operation. Crews worked extensive 12-hour shifts over more than two weeks to extract the cables, completing the project on November 17, according to SFGate.

The operation involved both scuba divers and remotely operated underwater vehicles. Crews on the surface employed a winch to lift the cables onto a barge, where they were cut into smaller segments for transport. The pieces were then transferred to Tahoe Keys Marina, loaded onto trucks, and sent to a recycling facility.

Ultimately, nearly eight miles of cable were removed from the southwestern region of Lake Tahoe, with significant sections located in Emerald Bay and along the stretch between Rubicon Point and Baldwin Beach. The removal is expected to eliminate approximately 107,000 pounds of lead from the environment.

Health and Environmental Impacts of Lead

Despite the successful removal of the cables, there remains no definitive consensus among researchers regarding the extent of damage they may have caused to Lake Tahoe. Laura Patten, natural resource director for the League to Save Lake Tahoe, emphasized the need for a precautionary approach, stating that their priority was to expedite the removal process while ensuring environmental safety was at the forefront.

Lead, a naturally occurring heavy metal, poses serious health risks, particularly for young children who are especially susceptible to lead exposure, which can have detrimental effects on growth, cognitive development, and overall well-being. The EPA and CDC have concluded that there is no safe level of lead for children, and pregnant women, as well as certain adults, can also experience health issues related to lead toxicity.

The impacts of lead extend beyond human health; it can also be fatal to wildlife, including endangered species like the California condor and the bald eagle.

Historically, lead has been utilized in various applications, ranging from drinking water pipes and ammunition to gasoline and paint. However, significant strides have been made over the past sixty years to restrict or eliminate its usage due to growing awareness of its harmful effects.

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