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Statewide investigation reveals hazardous lead-covered cable in Colorado River

The Attorney General's office launched an investigation after the cables were found to pose environmental and public health risks.

PHOENIX — Arizona could be facing a widespread environmental and public health risk in the form of lead-covered cables, according to the attorney general's office.

Recent reports by the Wall Street Journal found that these lead-covered cables leached hazardous amounts of lead into nearby drinking water and soil, pushing levels past the Environmental Protection Agency's safety standards.

In response, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes launched a statewide investigation, calling on 200 telecommunications operators, including Verizon, AT&T and CenturyLink, to share information on lead-covered cables they may own. Her office is looking to determine the type, location, and length of these cables, and whether they are aerial, underground, or underwater.

One such cable was already found running through the Colorado River from Nevada to Mohave County. The cable, owned by AT&T, was placed in 1949, the attorney general's office said.

As of now, there is no word on whether or not Arizonans have been impacted by the increased lead levels caused by the cables.

 A copy of the inquiry can be found below:

A spokesperson for USTelecom issued the following statement:

“The U.S. telecom industry prioritizes the health, safety, and environment of its communities and workers. We will continue to follow the science, which has not identified that lead-sheathed telecom cables are a leading cause of lead exposure or the cause of a public health issue. And recent federal and state testing has reinforced this point. Our industry remains committed to engaging constructively with stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, and agencies, on this important matter.”

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